Synthesis of N^G, N^G Dimethylarginine by Human Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Endothelial cells synthesise nitric oxide from L-arginine and this process can be inhibited by N^G, N^G dimethylarginine (asymmetric dimethylarginine; ADMA), a constituent of plasma and urine. In the present study cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells have been shown to release ADMA. Over 7 days 5.1 ± 2.8; μg ADMA was produced by 10⁷ cells (n = 8). These results suggest the presence of a metabolic pathway that may regulate NO synthesis within the endothelium.

Key Words:

• Human endothelial cells
• nitric oxide
• asymmetric dimethylarginine