Effect of 7-nitroindazole on bilirubin-induced changes in brain cell membrane function and energy metabolism in newborn piglets.

We evaluated the effects of 7-nitroindazole, a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthetase (nNOS) inhibitor, on bilirubin-induced alterations in brain cell membrane function and energy metabolism in the newborn piglets. The decreased cerebral cortical cell membrane Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and increased lipid peroxidation products, indicative of bilirubin-induced brain damage, were significantly attenuated by 7-nitroindazole treatment. 7-Nitroindazole also significantly improved the bilirubin-induced reduction in both brain ATP and phosphocreatine levels, decreased blood-to-brain glucose ratio and increased brain lactate level. In summary, 7-nitroindazole significantly attenuated the bilirubin-induced alterations in brain cell membrane function and energy metabolism in the newborn piglet. These findings suggest that nitric oxide produced by nNOS is involved in mediating or facilitating bilirubin-induced cerebral dysfunction. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel