Determination of asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, in umbilical blood

Abstract Endothelial cells produce nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase. Little is known about the potential physiological roles of ADMA in a perinatal setting. This study measures concentrations of ADMA in umbilical bl...

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Published in:Metabolism, clinical and experimental clinical and experimental, 2008-02, Vol.57 (2), p.215-220
Main Authors: Tsukahara, Hirokazu, Ohta, Naoko, Tokuriki, Shuko, Nishijima, Koji, Kotsuji, Fumikazu, Kawakami, Hisako, Ohta, Norihito, Sekine, Kyouichi, Nagasaka, Hironori, Mayumi, Mitsufumi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Arginine - analogs & derivatives
Arginine - blood
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Child, Preschool
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Enzyme Inhibitors - blood
Feeding. Feeding behavior
Female
Fetal Blood - chemistry
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Linear Models
Male
Middle Aged
Nitrates - blood
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III - antagonists & inhibitors
Nitrites - blood
Pregnancy
Umbilical Veins
Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
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Summary:Abstract Endothelial cells produce nitric oxide (NO), a potent vasodilator. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase. Little is known about the potential physiological roles of ADMA in a perinatal setting. This study measures concentrations of ADMA in umbilical blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and those of NO as nitrite/nitrate (NOx− ) using the Griess assay. Their relationship to the degree of prematurity and maternal clinical condition is examined. Results show that ADMA concentrations in umbilical blood from control newborns were about twice as high as those of lactating women, healthy children, and healthy adults. Umbilical blood NOx− concentrations from control newborns were about half of those of lactating women, healthy children, and healthy adults. Consequently, the levels of ADMA relative to NOx− were about 4-fold higher in umbilical blood from control newborns than in blood from lactating women, healthy children, and healthy adults. Furthermore, the umbilical blood ADMA concentrations and the ratios of ADMA to NOx− in newborns were higher according to their birth prematurity and lower birth weight. The umbilical ADMA concentrations were independent of the delivery mode and maternal preeclampsia. We infer that the high ADMA levels play physiological roles in maintaining vascular tone and blood redistribution to vital organs during birth, thereby favoring the circulatory transition from fetal to neonatal life.
ISSN:0026-0495
1532-8600
DOI:10.1016/j.metabol.2007.09.003