Differential effects of selective and non-selective NOS inhibition on renal arginine and protein metabolism during endotoxemia in rats

M.M. Hallemeesch*, D.C.P. Cobben, P.B. Soeters, N.E.P. Deutz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Differential effects of selective and non-selective NOS inhibition on renal arginine and protein metabolism during endotoxemia in rats.

Hallemeesch MM, Cobben DC, Soeters PB, Deutz NE.

Department of Surgery, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Background and aims: The kidney is the main endogenous producer of circulating arginine. Renal arginine disposal is directed to protein synthesis, urea production and nitric oxide synthesis. The administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors during sepsis may be beneficial or detrimental depending on the specificity of the inhibitor. We aimed to measure the effects of two NOS inhibitors, with different specificity, on renal arginine and protein turnover in a rat model of sepsis. Methods: Rats were subject to double hit endotoxemia and either L-NAME (non-specific), SMT (iNOS specific) or saline. Under anesthesia, vessels supplying and draining the kidney were catheterized. Systemic and intra-renal arginine and protein metabolism were measured using a primed continuous infusion of L-[2,3-(3)H]arginine and L-[2,6-(3)H]phenylalanine. Results: Non-specific NOS reduced systemic protein and arginine turnover, whereas selective iNOS inhibition did not. In the kidney, blood flow was reduced by L-NAME, but not by SMT. In conjunction with this, non-selective NOS inhibition increased renal protein breakdown, whereas selective iNOS inhibition increased renal arginine production. Conclusions: This study shows that non-selective NOS inhibition using L-NAME is detrimental for systemic and renal protein metabolism. Selective NOS inhibition stimulates renal arginine synthesis, without changing circulating arginine levels. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-117
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Nutrition
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2002

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