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Nitric oxide production within rat urothelial cells
D Mastrangelo1, A J Baertschi, A Roatti
1Urology Clinic, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland. Dominique.Mastrangelo@medecine.unige.ch
The Journal of Urology
|September 23, 2003
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by urothelial cells in the rat ureter, inhibiting ureteral motility. This nitrergic pathway may be a therapeutic target for ureteral relaxation.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) localization in the urothelium of the mammalian ureter is under investigation.
- Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production in the proximal rat ureter requires further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate endogenous NO production in the proximal rat ureter.
- Determine the cellular source of NO production.
- Characterize the NOS isoforms involved.
- Assess the impact of NO on ureteral motility.
Main Methods:
- Direct detection of NO production using diaminofluorescein in primary rat ureteral cell cultures.
- Assessment of NOS isoforms via immunofluorescence and Western blot.
- Evaluation of NO donor effects on isolated ureter contractility.
Main Results:
- Significant basal NO production was observed exclusively in urothelial cells.
- NOS inhibitors (L-NAME, 1400W) reduced NO production.
- Both constitutive and inducible NOS isoforms were detected in urothelial cells.
- NO donors inhibited ureteral contractile activity in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusions:
- NO production originates from the urothelium in the proximal rat ureter.
- The NO pathway inhibits ureteral contractile activity.
- The nitrergic pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for ureteral smooth muscle relaxation.