Metallothionein, nitric oxide and zinc homeostasis in vascular endothelial cells.

摘要: Recent in vitro studies suggest that the oxidoreductive capacity of metal thiolate clusters metallothionein (MT) contributes to intracellular zinc homeostasis. We used fluorescence-based techniques address this hypothesis intact endothelial cells, focusing on contributory role important redox signaling molecule, nitric oxide. Microspectrofluorometry with Zinquin revealed exposure cultured sheep pulmonary artery cells S-nitrosocysteine resulted release N, N,N',N'-tetrakis(2. pyridylmethyl)ethylendiamine (TPEN) chelatable zinc. Cultured were transfected a plasmid expression vector suitable for fluorescence resonance energy transfer containing cDNA MT sandwiched between two mutant green fluorescent proteins. The chimera oxide donors or agents increased cytoplasmic Ca(2+) via endogenously generated decreased efficiency manner consistent (Zn) from MT. A physiological interaction tissue was supported by lack myogenic reflex resistance arteries knockout mice unless endogenous synthesis blocked. These data an vascular wall.