NO and angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis requires the elaboration of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO). Angiogenic factors induce the release of NO from endothelial cells, which mediates a multiplicity of processes involved in angiogenesis. These NO-modulated processes include endothelial cell survival, proliferation, migration, and interaction with the extracellular matrix. Derangements of the NO synthase pathway impair angiogenesis. Accordingly, the competitive inhibitor of the NOS pathway asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) acts as an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis. By contrast, agents which increase NO synthesis, such as low dose statins, enhance angiogenesis. Modulation of the NO synthase pathway could become a new therapeutic avenue for angiogenesis-related disorders.
Cooke
John P
JP
Program in Vascular Medicine and Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Dr., Stanford, CA 94305-5406, USA. john.cook.e@stanford.edu
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009569:Nitric Oxide; C018524:N,N-dimethylarginine; D001120:Arginine