L-arginine transporters in cardiovascular disease: a novel therapeutic target.
The amino acid l-arginine participates in a variety of key biochemical and physiological activities, including its well-recognized role as the key substrate for nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. The current review describes the cellular influences on arginine metabolism with particular focus on the transport of l-arginine in the endothelium. It details the processes by which intracellular and extracellular levels of l-arginine may influence nitric oxide production and further documents the imbalance that is evident in various cardiovascular disease states. In man, impairment of l-arginine transport has been observed in hypertension, heart failure, and renal disease, and it may thus be a relevant therapeutic target for rectification of nitric oxide pathogenesis in these conditions.
Chin-Dusting
J P F
JP
Alfred and Baker Medical Unit, Baker Heart Research Institute and Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.
Willems
L
L
Kaye
D M
DM
D026923:Amino Acid Transport Systems, Basic / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000378:metabolism*; D001692:Biological Transport; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis
D026923:Amino Acid Transport Systems, Basic; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001120:Arginine