[INVOLVEMENT OF NITRIC OXIDE CYNTHASE IN THE EARLY PHASE OF THE HEART ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Molecular Cardiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Ischemic preconditioning (IP) offers cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
• The precise role of nitric oxide (NO) and NO-synthase (NOS) in early IP remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze experimental evidence regarding the involvement of NO and NOS in the cardioprotective effects of early IP.
• To elucidate the mechanisms through which NO and NOS may mediate cardioprotection during IP.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of experimental studies on ischemic preconditioning and nitric oxide pathways.
• Analysis of data on nitrates, nitrites, NOS gene expression, and the effects of NOS blockers and NO donors.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests NOS involvement in IP-induced cardioprotection, with increased nitrates/nitrites and NOS gene expression post-IP.
• Inhibition of NOS blocks IP's protective effect, while NO donors mimic IP's effects.
• Conflicting data also exists, highlighting the complexity of NOS involvement.

Conclusions:

• Nitric oxide and NO-synthase are likely involved in the early phase of ischemic preconditioning.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the intricate mechanisms of NO/NOS in IP-mediated cardioprotection.