Decrease of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the cerebellum of aged rats.

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Yu W, Juang S, Lee J, Liu T, Cheng J

Decrease of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the cerebellum of aged rats.

Neurosci Lett. 2000 Sep 8;291(1):37-40.

PubMed ID
10962148 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced as an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) to participate in some pathophysiological pathways. In the present study, change of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was examined in isolated cerebellum of Wistar rats aged from 2 to 24 months. Northern blot showed a lower mRNA level of nNOS in rats aged 6, 12 and 24 months than that in rats aged 2 months. Western blot analysis also indicated that the expression of nNOS protein was lower in rats aged 6, 12 and 24 months than that of 2 months rats. However, the activity of nNOS determined by conversion of [(3)H] L-arginine to [(3)H] L-citrulline was decreased significantly in rats aged 24 months only. These results indicate the decrease of NOS expression in cerebellum of aged rat that seems helpful to explain the causes of malfunction in CNS of aged mammalian.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
CitrullineNitric oxide synthase, brainProteinHumans
Unknown
Not AvailableDetails