The biosynthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine. Nitric oxide formation features and its functional role in mitochondria

Modern data on biochemical patterns of nitric oxide biosynthesis in mammal cells from L-arginine in normoxic conditions is described. The attention of the authors is given to the results of the recent years on the structure and regulation features isoforms of NO-synthase. The emphasis is put on the latest conception of the compartmentalization of certain isoforms of these enzymes in cells and on the possibility of the directed transport of nitric oxide in the vascular wall. The central place in the review is devoted to issues on the endogenous formation of NO in mitochondria and its potential physiological significance. Our own results on the identification of NO in mitochondria of the uterine smooth muscle, biochemical characteristics of this process and NO possible role in Са2+ transport regulation by organelles are presented and discussed

Identification of nitric oxide in mitochondria of myometrium cell

Aim. To demonstrate the possibility of NO synthesis in intact myocytes of uterus. Methods. Confocal scanning microscopy method, NO-sensitive fluorescent probe DAF-FM, MitoTracker Orange CM-H2TMRos. Results. The basal production of NO in intact myocytes was shown using DAF-FM. Incubation of myocytes with NO donor – sodium nitroprusside (SNP) – led to an increase of the DAF-FM-T fluorescent signal. On the contrary, the addition of NO-synthase inhibitor – N-nitro-L-arginine (NA) – results in the reduction of fluorescent intensity. It was demonstrated colocalizition of specific probe for mitochondria MitoTracker Orange CM-H2TMRos and NO-sensitive dye DAF-FM. Conclusions. For the first time it has been demonstrated the presence of NO in smooth muscle cell mitochondria using laser confocal microscopy, NO-sensitive probe DAF-FM and specific marker of the functionally active mitochondria MitoTracker Orange CM-H2TMRos

Cаlіx[4]аrene С-956 is effective inhibitor of Н(+)-Сa(2+)-exchanger in smooth muscle mitochondria

It was shown that calix[4]arene C-956 exhibited a pronounced concentration-dependent (10-100 μM) inhibitory effect on the H+-Ca2+-exchanger of the inner mitochondrial membrane of rat uterine myocytes (Ki 35.1 ± 7.9 μM). The inhibitory effect of calix[4]arene C-956 was accompanied by a decrease in the initial rate (V0) and an increase in the magnitude of the characteristic time (τ1/2) of the ΔрН-induced Са2+ release. At the same time, it did not affect the potential-dependent accumulation of Ca2+ in mitochondria. Thus, the action of calix[4]arene C-956 might be directed on increasing the concentration of Ca ions in the mitochondrial matrix. The calculation of basic kinetic parameters of the Ca2+ transport from isolated organelles (in the case of its non-zero stationary level), based on changes in fluorescence of Ca2+-sensitive dye Fluo-4 AM in mitochondria was performed. The proposed approach can be used for the kinetic analysis of the exponential decrease of the fluorescence response of any probes under the same experimental conditions

Responsiveness to progesterone and potassium channel blockers 4-aminopyridine, tetraethylammonium and free Ca(2+) contentration in spermatozoa of patients with oligozoospermia/leucocytospermia

The present study was undertaken to evaluate [Ca2+]i signals that occur in human sperm cells exposed in vitro to three diverse compounds; progesterone, 4-aminopyridine (a highly effective inducer of hyperactivation in human sperm) and tetraethylammonium. The [Ca2+]i reached after the extracellular calcium treatment was always higher in normozoospermic samples pretreated with progesterone than in pathozoospermic samples pretreated with progesterone. There were no changes in calcium signal in spermatozoa pretreated with progesterone from patients with oligozoospermia and leucocytospermia compared to control samples (without progesterone). [Ca2+]i. was always higher in pathozoospermic samples without 4-aminopyridine and always lower in pathozoospermic samples with 4-aminopyridine compared to these values in normozoospermic men. The 2 mM extracellular calcium administration to spermatozoa pretreated with tetraethylammonium did not result in a detectable increase in [Ca2+]i in normo- and pathozoospermic samples. The mechanisms of progesterone-dependent activation of the Ca2+-entry and the functioning of the voltage gated Ca2+-channels of plasmalemma are disturbed in pathologies – there was no increase in the Ca2+ level in the conditions of K+-depolarization (in the presence of inhibitors of K+-channels)

The Myometrium: From Excitation to Contractions and Labour.

We start by describing the functions of the uterus, its structure, both gross and fine, innervation and blood supply. It is interesting to note the diversity of the female's reproductive tract between species and to remember it when working with different animal models. Myocytes are the overwhelming cell type of the uterus (>95%) and our focus. Their function is to contract, and they have an intrinsic pacemaker and rhythmicity, which is modified by hormones, stretch, paracrine factors and the extracellular environment. We discuss evidence or not for pacemaker cells in the uterus. We also describe the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in some detail, as it is relevant to calcium signalling and excitability. Ion channels, including store-operated ones, their contributions to excitability and action potentials, are covered. The main pathway to excitation is from depolarisation opening voltage-gated Ca channels. Much of what happens downstream of excitability is common to other smooth muscles, with force depending upon the balance of myosin light kinase and phosphatase. Mechanisms of maintaining Ca balance within the myocytes are discussed. Metabolism, and how it is intertwined with activity, blood flow and pH, is covered. Growth of the myometrium and changes in contractile proteins with pregnancy and parturition are also detailed. We finish with a description of uterine activity and why it is important, covering progression to labour as well as preterm and dysfunctional labours. We conclude by highlighting progress made and where further efforts are required