Exogenous modification of nitrovasodilator-induced cyclic GMP formation in human lymphocytes

The effects of exogenous guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP), guanosine 5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S), cysteine and Trolox C, a water soluble vitamin E analogue, were studied on basal and nitrovasodilator-induced cyclic GMP formation in isolated human lymphocytes. Incubation of lymphocytes in the presence of GTP (0.1 mM) and GTP gamma S (0.1 mM) increased cyclic GMP more than twofold. SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside dose-dependently increased cyclic GMP, but nitroglycerin and sodium nitrite were ineffective. GTP and GTP gamma S potentiated SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside-induced cyclic GMP formation. In the presence of GTP and GTP gamma S, nitroglycerin, but not sodium nitrite, was able to increase lymphocyte cyclic GMP. Cysteine (1 mM) enhanced cyclic GMP formation induced by sodium nitroprusside and nitroglycerin. Trolox C (0.1 mM) potentiated SIN-1-induced cyclic GMP formation. These results indicate that exogenous GTP and GTP gamma S enhance guanylate cyclase stimulation by spontaneous nitric oxide releasers and nitroglycerin in lymphocytes. Cysteine, a redox-compound and Trolox C, an antioxidant, have different effects on guanylate cyclase activation by nitric oxide releasers, SIN-1 and sodium nitroprusside.