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.