17 Beta-estradiol-stimulated nitric oxide production by neutrophils: effect on platelet activation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on the ability of human neutrophils to produce nitric oxide (NO) and its effects on platelet activation.


METHODS
The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) protein and the formation of NO by 17beta-E2-incubated neutrophils from men were studied in vitro (ten male volunteers, no medical-surgical antecedents, aged 25-45 years). Platelet aggregometry and changes in cyclic guanosine monophospate (cGMP) levels were used to bioassay the functionality of NO released from neutrophils.


RESULTS
Incubation of neutrophils derived from men with physiologic concentrations of 17beta-E2 (10(-10) to 10(-8) mol/L) enhanced the expression of nNOS protein. 17Beta-E2-incubated neutrophils also showed a significant increase in their ability to generate NO measured by the conversion of [3H]-L-arginine to [3H]-L-citrulline. Furthermore, 17beta-E2-incubated neutrophils showed a greater ability to prevent adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet activation. Moreover, increased levels of cGMP were found in the coincubation of platelets with 17beta-E2-treated neutrophils.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that 17beta-E2 increases the ability of human neutrophils to produce NO and therefore may contribute to cardiovascular disease protection.
Durán
M G
MG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain.
Gálvez
G G
GG
de Frutos
T
T
Díaz Recaséns
J
J
Casado
S
S
López Farré
A
A
D000328:Adult; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000378:metabolism; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012016:Reference Values
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D004958:Estradiol; C496320:NOS1 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I; D006152:Cyclic GMP