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Related Experiment Videos

Interactions between organic nitrates and thiol groups.

J Abrams1

  • 1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 87131-5271.

The American Journal of Medicine
|September 30, 1991
PubMed
Summary
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Nitroglycerin and organic nitrates require conversion to active nitric oxide (NO) for vasodilation. Nitrate tolerance may be reversed by thiol donors like N-acetylcysteine, though their role is still debated.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Organic nitrates (RONO2) are prodrugs requiring intracellular conversion to nitric oxide (NO) for vascular smooth muscle relaxation.
  • NO activates guanylate cyclase (GC), increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and causing vasodilation.
  • Nitrate tolerance is linked to the depletion of thiol (SH) groups, essential for NO production and GC activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of thiol groups in organic nitrate metabolism and the development of nitrate tolerance.
  • To investigate the potential of exogenous thiol donors, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), in preventing or reversing nitrate tolerance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on organic nitrate metabolism, nitric oxide pathways, and thiol biochemistry.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analysis of studies investigating the effects of thiol donors (NAC, methionine) on nitrate tolerance in vitro and in vivo.
  • Examination of the proposed mechanisms for S-nitrosothiol (RSNO) formation and their role in vasodilation.

    • Main Results:

    • Organic nitrate denitration produces NO, which activates the GC-cGMP pathway for vasodilation.
    • Nitrate tolerance is associated with oxidized thiol groups, reducing NO formation and vasodilation.
    • Exogenous thiol donors like NAC may provide intracellular thiols to counteract tolerance, with some evidence suggesting they can accentuate nitrate effects in non-tolerant states.

    Conclusions:

    • Thiol groups are critical for organic nitrate bioactivation and are depleted during nitrate tolerance.
    • S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) may play a role in vasodilation, but their exact function in organic nitrate action requires further clarification.
    • The use of exogenous thiol donors like NAC to prevent or reverse nitrate tolerance is a promising area of research, but requires further investigation to establish efficacy and optimal use.