Basic Research
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2004. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jul 1, 2004; 10(13): 1923-1927
Published online Jul 1, 2004. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i13.1923
Increased hepatic expression of nitric oxide synthase type II in cirrhotic rats
Hai Wang, Xiao-Ping Chen, Fa-Zu Qiu
Hai Wang, Xiao-Ping Chen, Fa-Zu Qiu, Liver Center of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Supported by the Clinical Focal Point Subject Foundation of Ministry of Public Health, No. (2001)321
Correspondence to: Dr. Xiao-Ping Chen, Hepatic Surgery Center of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China. chenxp53@sina.com
Telephone: +86-27-83662599 Fax: +86-27-83662851
Received: October 9, 2002
Revised: December 23, 2002
Accepted: December 30, 2002
Published online: July 1, 2004
Abstract

AIM: To determine the role and effect of nitric oxide synthase type II (NOS II) in cirrhotic rats.

METHODS: Expression of NOS II mRNA was detected by real time RT-PCR. The activity of nitric oxide synthase and serum levels of NO, systemic and portal hemodynamics and degrees of cirrhosis were measured with high sensitive methods. Chinese traditional medicine tetrandrine was used to treat cirrhotic rats and to evaluate the function of NO. Double-blind method was applied during the experiment.

RESULTS: The concentration of NO and the activity of NOS were increased markedly at all stages of cirrhosis, and iNOSmRNA was greatly expressed. Meanwhile the portal-venous-pressure (PVP), and portal-venous-flow (PVF) were significantly increased. NO, NOS and iNOSmRNA were positively correlated to the quantity of hepatic fibrosis. Tetrandrine significantly inhibited NO production and the expression of iNOSmRNA.

CONCLUSION: Increased hepatic expression of NOS II is one of the important causes of hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

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