Figure 2.

VLD promotes NO generation and expression of peNOS in the endothelium under diabetic conditions. Serum or cell supernatant was collected and total NO production was measured by a modified Griess reaction method. The activation of eNOS was evaluated by assaying eNOS phosphorylation by Western blot. A‐B, Effects of VLD on NO production and eNOS activation in the aortas of mice. C‐D, Effect of VLD on NO production and eNOS activation in HUVECs. Data shown are mean ± SD (n = 3‐6). *P < 0.05 vs the normal group; ^# P < 0.05 vs the HG group or the diabetic control group. Cell supernatant was collected for total NO production. VLD, vildagliptin; NO, nitric oxide; eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase; peNOS, phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177; HUVECs, human umbilical vein endothelial cells; HG, high glucose; Man, mannitol