[Propargylglycine restores endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic smooth muscles in old rats]

In the study we investigated the effect of blockade cystathionine-gamma -lyase (CSE), an enzyme of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) (de novo) synthesis on the endothelium-dependent relaxation of aortic smooth muscle (SM) in old rats. It has been shown that an inhibition of CSE by propargylglycine (PAG) results in restoration of a decreased ACh-induced relaxation of aorta in old rats. This effect of PAG was removed by blocking nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the endothelial cells. Age-related changes in the levels of H2S, NO2- and enzyme activity of the constitutive synthesis of NO (cNOS) in the heart, were determined. It has been shown that PAG introduction elevates a decreased levels of HzS, NO2- and stimulates the suppressed activity of cNOS in old rats. These results suggest that PAG activates alternative ways of H2S synthesis and stimulates the constitutive synthesis of NO. These actions of PAG restore endothelial function in old rats.