Role of peroxynitrite in the process of vascular tone regulation by nitric oxide and prostanoids--a nanotechnological approach.

The production of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) in the endothelium decreases NO bioavailability, decreases vasorelaxation and changes vascular tone. ONOO(-) can also influence the production of prostacyclin-another vasorelaxant. We used a nanotechnological approach (nanosensors) to elucidate the release of NO, O(2)(-), and ONOO(-) in endothelium and their effect on production of prostanoids. The basal ONOO(-) concentration near the endothelium (3-5 microm) varied from 1 to 50 nmol/L and maximal calcium ionophore stimulated ONOO(-), did not exceed 900 nmol/L. The highest ONOO(-) concentrations were produced in ischemia/reperfusion atherosclerosis, diabetes, aging and vary among different racial groups (higher in Blacks than in Whites). ONOO(-) decreased PGI(2) activity with IC(50) approximately 150 nmol/L for 8 min reaction time, but has no effect of short reaction time. Prostaglandin E(1) decreased NO, O(2)(-), and ONOO(-) by limiting Ca(2+) flux into endothelium, decreased edema and vasoconstriction during ischemia/reperfusion. In endothelium (HUVEC's) of Black's the ONOO(-) concentrations were high 750+/-50 nmol/L while the lowest concentrations of vasorelaxants were 275+/-25 nmol/L of NO, 150+/-15 pb/100 microg protein of 6-keto-PGF(1)(alpha) as compared to White's (420+/-30 and 470+/- nmol/L for ONOO(-) and NO respectively and 280+/-20 pg/100 mg protein for 6-keto-PGF(1)(alpha)).