Enhanced release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells under anoxia
Abstract
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is capable of releasing free NO from nitrite in vitro under anoxiaa. Therefore the anoxic nitrite reductase pathway might provide a significant alternative source of NO for tissues under acute hypoxia. This hypothesis was tested by NO trapping in cultured endothelial (bEND.3) cells using iron-dithiocarbamate traps and EPR. Yields (in pmol) from NO trapping in 7.5*106 endothelial cells for 20 min at 37°C. Oxia is in an atmosphere with 5% CO 2 and 20% O 2 , anoxia is under argon. The supplements were added to medium.