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Developmental expression of eNOS in postnatal swine mesenteric artery
Kristina M Reber1, Baogen Y Su, K Reed Clark
1Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University and the Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|November 16, 2002
Summary
Postnatal feeding significantly impacts endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein levels in swine mesenteric arteries. This regulation occurs post-transcriptionally, affecting vascular resistance during early development.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Developmental Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays a critical role in regulating vascular tone.
- Understanding developmental changes in eNOS expression is crucial for pediatric vascular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate developmental changes in eNOS expression in swine mesenteric arteries.
- To correlate eNOS expression with hemodynamic parameters during early postnatal life.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of eNOS mRNA via real-time PCR.
- Assessment of eNOS protein levels using Western blotting.
- Measurement of in situ gut loop hemodynamics and oxygenation, including response to N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA).
Main Results:
- eNOS mRNA levels remained constant across developmental stages.
- eNOS protein expression was significantly higher in 1-day-old fed piglets compared to fetal or nonfed piglets.
- Intestinal vascular resistance was lower in fed piglets, with changes correlating to eNOS protein levels.
Conclusions:
- eNOS expression in the mesenteric artery is regulated at a post-transcriptional level during early postnatal development.
- Postnatal feeding influences eNOS protein abundance and mesenteric vascular resistance.
- These findings highlight the dynamic regulation of vascular function during the transition from fetal to postnatal life.