(-)-epicatechin activation of endothelial cell endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, and related signaling pathways.

ABSTRACT: Recent reports indicate that (-)-epicatechin can exert cardioprotective actions, which may involve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-mediated nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. However, the mechanism by which (-)-epicatechin activates eNOS remains unclear. In this study, we proposed to identify the intracellular pathways involved in (-)-epicatechin-induced effects on eNOS, using human coronary artery endothelial cells in culture. Treatment of cells with (-)-epicatechin led to time- and dose-dependent effects that peaked at 10 minutes at 1 mumol/L. (-)-Epicatechin treatment activates eNOS via serine 633 and serine 1177 phosphorylation and threonine 495 dephosphorylation. Using specific inhibitors, we have established the participation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p

SUBMITTER: Ramirez-Sanchez I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2874202 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature