Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
08:32
Application 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
13.4K
Nitric oxide modulates ATP-evoked currents in mouse Leydig cells
J L de Deus1, A L A Dagostin1, W A Varanda1
1Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.
Summary
Nitric oxide (NO) positively modulates ATP-evoked calcium currents in mouse Leydig cells via the NO/cGMP pathway, revealing a novel interaction between purinergic and nitrergic systems in testosterone synthesis regulation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells is calcium-dependent.
- Calcium regulation involves purinergic receptors and nitric oxide (NO).
- NO is known to inhibit testosterone production.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the interaction between purinergic and nitrergic systems in mouse Leydig cells.
- Determine NO's role in regulating ATP-evoked calcium currents.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell patch clamp technique on isolated adult mouse Leydig cells.
- Application of ATP, L-NAME, L-arginine, ODQ, and 8-Br-cGMP.
- Measurement of ATP-evoked currents.
Main Results:
- Basal NO levels in Leydig cells do not affect ATP-evoked currents.
- Supplemental L-arginine (300 μM) enhances ATP-evoked currents.
- This enhancement involves the NO/cGMP signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- A functional interaction exists between the nitrergic and purinergic systems in Leydig cells.
- Nitric oxide positively modulates calcium (Ca2+) entry through purinergic receptors.
- This NO-mediated regulation impacts Leydig cell function and potentially testosterone synthesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
6.4K
Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure...
6.4K
01:31ATP Yield
79.1K
Cellular respiration produces 30 - 32 ATP per glucose molecule. Although most of the ATP results from oxidative phosphorylation and the electron transport chain (ETC), 4 ATP are gained beforehand (2 from glycolysis and 2 from the citric acid cycle).
The ETC is embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is comprised of four main protein complexes and an ATP synthase. NADH and FADH2 pass electrons to these complexes, which pump protons into the intermembrane space. This distribution of...
The ETC is embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane and is comprised of four main protein complexes and an ATP synthase. NADH and FADH2 pass electrons to these complexes, which pump protons into the intermembrane space. This distribution of...
79.1K
01:08Hydrolysis of ATP
81.9K
The bonds of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) can be broken through the addition of water, releasing one or two phosphate groups in an exergonic process called hydrolysis. This reaction liberates the energy in the bonds for use in the cell—for instance, to synthesize proteins from amino acids.
If one phosphate group is removed, a molecule of ADP—adenosine diphosphate—remains, along with inorganic phosphate. ADP can be further hydrolyzed to AMP—adenosine...
If one phosphate group is removed, a molecule of ADP—adenosine diphosphate—remains, along with inorganic phosphate. ADP can be further hydrolyzed to AMP—adenosine...
81.9K
03:14Oxidation Numbers
43.1K
In redox reactions, the transfer of electrons occurs between reacting species. Electron transfer is described by a hypothetical number called the oxidation number (or oxidation state). It represents the effective charge of an atom or element, which is assigned using a set of rules.
43.1K
01:15Pyruvate Oxidation
169.3K
After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
169.3K
03:11Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
75.9K
Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
75.9K