Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
Published on: February 25, 2016
Urocortin II induces nitric oxide production through cAMP and Ca2+ related pathways in endothelial cells
Elena Grossini1, Claudio Molinari, David A S G Mary
1Laboratorio di Fisiologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università del Piemonte Orientale 'A. Avogadro', Novara, Italy. grossini@med.unipmn.it
Background:
Urocortin II has previously been shown in anesthetized pigs to increase coronary blood flow through activation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway and involvement of the subtype 2 of corticotropin releasing factor receptors (CRFR2). However, little information has been available regarding the intracellular signalling through these receptors and leading to the release of nitric oxide (NO).
Aim:
The present study was therefore planned to determine the mechanism involved in such signalling.
Methods:
In porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAE) the effects of urocortin II on NO production and ERK, Akt, p38 and eNOS phosphorylation were examined in absence or presence of the adenylyl cyclase agonist forskolin and antagonist 2'5' dideoxyadenosine, the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, the Ca2+-calmodulin-kinase inhibitor KN93, the CRFR2 blocker astressin 2B and of the protein kinases specific inhibitors UO126, wortmannin and SB203580.
Results:
Urocortin II caused a significant increase of NO production, which was amplified by forskolin and A23187 (P <0.05). All effects of urocortin II were abolished by l-NAME, 2'5' dideoxyadenosine, KN93, astressin 2B and by pre-treatment of cells with UO126, wortmannin and SB203580. Western Blot analysis confirmed the involvement of ERK, Akt and p38 in the eNOS activation.
Conclusion:
In PAE urocortin II interaction with CRFR2 caused a cAMP-dependent and Ca2+-related phoshorylation of ERK, Akt and p38 leading to eNOS activation.
More Related Videos
08:32Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
07:15Measurement of Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) in Solid Tissues using Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Published on: July 3, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Paracrine Signaling
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply