Figure 3.

NOS Uncoupling and Increased Free-Radical Levels in ASA Mice

(A) Immunoblot and densitometric quantification from the aortae of three ASA mice and three WT mice show a decrease in the active dimer form in the ASA mice, supporting NOS3 (eNOS) uncoupling. The asterisk indicates p < 0.05.

(B) Isoprostane levels, a marker of free-radical production, are significantly increased in ASA mice. Asterisks indicate p < 0.05.

(C) Compared to those of WT mice (n = 5), superoxide levels from the aortae of ASA mice (n = 5) are elevated. The asterisk indicates p < 0.05.

(D) In vivo isotope measurement of the transfer of the guanidino-nitrogen from ¹⁵N₂-arginine to ¹⁵N-citrulline, a marker of NO flux, is decreased in the GT-treated ASA mice (n = 5 per group). The asterisk indicates p < 0.05.

(E) Compared to those of WT mice, the BH₄/BH₂ ratios in the aortae of ASA hypomorphic mice and GT-treated ASA hypomorphic mice are not significantly different. The following abbreviation is used: n.s., not significant.

The error bars depict standard deviation.