Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2002 May;45(5):766-773.

The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Apoptosis in Human Luteinized Granulosa Cells

• Jee BC
• Moon SY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of nitric oxide on the apoptosis of human luteinized granulosa cells.
METHODS
: Granulosa cell suspensions were incubated for 48 hours after adding nitric oxide donor (S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine, SNAP) and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME) at different concentrations. Apoptosis was examined using a terminal deoxynucleotide transferase- mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method, and immunocytochemical staining was performed for six apoptosis-related proteins.
RESULTS
Apoptotic rates were significantly lower in cells incubated in SNAP 0.5 mM, but higher in L-NAME 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mM. SNAP 0.5 mM lowered the expressions of Fas and p53 in granulosa cells, but Bcl-2 expression was increased, and Fas ligand or Bax remained unchanged. In L-NAME 0.5 and 5.0 mM, the expressions of p53 and Bax were increased, and Bcl-2 was unchanged. Fas/Fas ligands were also activated especially in L-NAME 5.0 mM.
CONCLUSION
Nitric oxide may inhibit apoptosis via decreased Fas and p53, and increased Bcl-2 expression in human luteinized granulosa cells.

Keyword

Nitric oxide; Apoptosis; Human luteinized granulosa cell

MeSH Terms

Apoptosis*
Fas Ligand Protein
Female
Granulosa Cells*
Humans*
Ligands
Lutein*
NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester
Nitric Oxide Synthase
Nitric Oxide*
Suspensions
Tissue Donors
Fas Ligand Protein
Ligands
Lutein
NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester
Nitric Oxide
Nitric Oxide Synthase
Suspensions