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Published on: December 31, 2015
Nitric oxide production by human peritoneal mesothelial cells
A Davenport1, R L Fernando, R Robson
1Renal Research Laboratories, Centre for Nephrology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. Andrew.Davenport@royalfree.nhs.uk
The International Journal of Artificial Organs
|February 27, 2004
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by peritoneal mesothelial cells, influencing peritoneal dialysis. During peritonitis, NO levels significantly increase, likely due to other cells, as mesothelial cells lack inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) plays crucial roles in immunomodulation and vascular regulation.
- Peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), with embryological links to endothelial cells, are the primary cell type in the peritoneal cavity.
- Local NO generation in the peritoneum could impact peritoneal transport and the response to infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of peritoneal mesothelial cells as a source of nitric oxide (NO) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.
- To measure NO levels in dialysate effluent during normal PD and episodes of bacterial peritonitis.
- To determine if HPMCs express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
Main Methods:
- Nitrite and nitrate levels in fresh and spent dialysate effluent were measured using the Griess reaction.
- Human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) were cultured and stimulated.
- NO production by HPMCs was assessed with and without L-arginine and L-NMMA.
- Northern blotting was used to detect iNOS RNA in stimulated HPMCs.
Main Results:
- Spent dialysate from PD patients contained significant levels of nitrite/nitrate (9-10 µM/L/h).
- Dialysate nitrite/nitrate levels markedly increased during bacterial peritonitis (15-17 µM/L/h) and returned to baseline post-treatment.
- Cultured HPMCs produced NO, which increased with spent dialysate but was not significantly affected by L-arginine or L-NMMA.
- No iNOS RNA was detected in HPMCs stimulated with LPS and cytokines or infected dialysate.
Conclusions:
- Peritoneal mesothelial cells contribute to basal nitric oxide (NO) production in the peritoneal cavity.
- The significant increase in NO during bacterial peritonitis is not primarily due to iNOS in mesothelial cells.
- Increased NO during peritonitis likely involves peritoneal macrophages and endothelial cells.
