title: Expression and localization of NO synthase isoenzymes (iNOS and eNOS) in development of the rabbit placenta.
abstract: Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is a key regulator of angiogenesis and embryogenesis in the mammalian reproductive process. Here, we attempted to clarify the expression and localization of inducible and endothelial NOS (iNOS and eNOS) in the developing rabbit placenta. Real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that iNOS mRNA was significantly upregulated till the complete development of the placenta (d18), and then significantly decreased at the end of fetal growth stage (d28) during successful pregnancy. The eNOS mRNA was also enhanced in the pregnant uteri and gradually decreased near the term of pregnancy. Western blot analysis also showed elevation of the iNOS and eNOS protein levels during the course of successful pregnancy till the functional maturation of the placenta (d18). Immunohistochemical study revealed distinct localizations of iNOS along the radial arteries and eNOS at the spiral arteries and arterial sinuses in the developing placenta. This may reflect that iNOS and eNOS participate in pregnancy success through placentation-specific vascular formation and by supporting adequate blood circulation in the rabbit placenta.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
authors.forename: Hamayun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Ken Takeshi
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Kusakabe
authors.forename: Shoichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wakitani
authors.forename: Masato
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hiyama
authors.forename: Ai
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Takeshita
authors.forename: Yasuo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kiso
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017849:Animals, Inbred Strains; D001158:Arteries / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015536:Down-Regulation; D005260:Female; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010920:Placenta / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010929:Placentation; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III