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Cyclic strain increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity
M A Awolesi1, M D Widmann, W C Sessa
1Department of Surgery and Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Surgery
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Cyclic strain significantly increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity in cultured endothelial cells (EC). This finding highlights the role of mechanical forces in regulating eNOS function in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endothelial Cell Function
- Mechanotransduction
Background:
- Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) produces nitric oxide, a key vascular smooth muscle relaxant.
- The influence of hemodynamic forces on eNOS regulation remains incompletely understood.
- Previous studies indicated cyclic strain elevates eNOS gene and protein expression in endothelial cells (EC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cyclic strain on the functional activity of eNOS.
- To determine if increased eNOS gene and protein translate to enhanced enzyme activity.
Main Methods:
- Cultured bovine aortic EC were subjected to 24% or 10% cyclic strain at 60 cycles/min for 24 hours.
- eNOS activity was measured.
- Nitric oxide production was quantified using the Greiss reaction to measure nitrite levels.
Main Results:
- A 24% cyclic strain significantly enhanced eNOS activity compared to static controls.
- Both strain levels increased nitric oxide (nitrite) production.
- Higher strain (24%) resulted in significantly greater nitrite levels than lower strain (10%).
Conclusions:
- Cyclic strain demonstrably increases eNOS activity in cultured aortic EC.
- These findings suggest hemodynamic forces play a crucial role in regulating eNOS activity in vivo.