N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester prevents apoptosis induced in the lateral geniculate nucleus by light deprivation in adult rabbit.
Exposure of adult rabbits to darkness for 48 h produces bilateral DNA fragmentation in the lateral geniculate nucleus as revealed in brain sections by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL) technique, suggesting an apoptotic type of cell death. In agreement with the latter deduction, light microscopy assessment of the morphological characteristics showed marginalization and condensation of nuclear chromatin, typical features of apoptosis. These effects were abolished by systemic administration of N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, whereas the D isomer was ineffective. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that light deprivation for 48 h produces apoptosis in the lateral geniculate nucleus of rabbit and suggest that NO might be involved.
Nucci
C
C
Department of Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Piccirilli
S
S
Palma
E
E
Bagetta
G
G
Nistico
G
G
Cerulli
L
L
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D003624:Darkness; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005829:Geniculate Bodies / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D008297:Male; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011817:Rabbits
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester