Geldanamycin attenuates NO-mediated dilation in human skin

The binding of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) to endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) can enhance eNOS activation. Studies have shown that the HSP90-specific inhibitor geldanamycin (GA) can cause attenuation of NO-mediated processes. Twenty subjects participated in one of two protocols. In each protocol, one forearm of each subject was instrumented with two intradermal microdialysis probes for drug delivery. Laser Doppler flowmeters were used to measure cutaneous blood flow. Skin sites were either treated with the endothelial agonist acetylcholine or locally heated to 42 degrees C, a maneuver that evokes NO-mediated dilation. Interventions were performed with and without GA. In the presence of GA, maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) to ACh was 20 +/- 3% lower than with ACh alone (P < 0.001). During local heating, maximal CVC in the presence of GA was 22 +/- 6% lower than during heating alone (P < 0.01). The results show that GA can attenuate NO-mediated dilation in human skin, suggesting a potential role for HSP90 in activation of eNOS in the microcirculation.