Up-regulation of nitric oxide synthase by estradiol in human aortic endothelial cells.

We have examined the effects of sex hormones on calcium-dependent NO production and protein levels of NO synthase in cultured human aortic endothelial cells, which were treated with various doses of 17 beta-estradiol and testosterone for 8-48 h. Treatment with 17 beta-estradiol enhanced calcium-dependent NO production, but testosterone had exerted no effect. Western blot using monoclonal anti-human endothelial NO synthase antibody clarified that increased NO production by 17 beta-estradiol treatment was accompanied by increased NO synthase protein. Our results provide evidence that human endothelial NO synthase can be regulated by estrogens.