Nitric oxide synthase activity in mitochondria.
- Ghafourifar P Laboratory of Biochemistry I, Swiss Federal Institute of Tehchnology, (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland.
- Richter C
- 1998-01-15
Published in:
- FEBS letters. - 1997
English
In the present study we show the existence of a functional nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat liver mitochondria. The enzyme uses L-arginine (L-arg) to produce nitric oxide (NO) and L-citrulline, and is Ca2+-dependent. L-Arg analogues, N(omega)monomethyl-L-arg and N(omega)-nitro-L-arg, inhibit the enzyme, and D-arginine is not a substrate for it. We found mitochondrial NOS (mtNOS) activity associated with the inner mitochondrial membrane but not with the matrix fraction. In intact, succinate-energized mitochondria, the enzyme is constitutively active and exerts substantial control over mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential. The activity is further stimulated when Ca2+ is taken up by mitochondria. We suggest that the existence of mtNOS and its Ca2+ dependence are highly relevant for mitochondrial functioning.
- Language
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- English
- Open access status
- bronze
- Identifiers
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- DOI 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)01397-5
- PMID 9428730
- Persistent URL
- https://sonar.ch/global/documents/122375
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