Nitric oxide counters the inhibitory effects of uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate on endothelial cells by governing ERK MAP kinase and myosin light chain activation

► Indoxyl sulfate (IS) inhibits nitric oxide (NO) release in endothelial cells. ► IS inhibits endothelial cell migration and tube formation in vitro. ► NO donor, SNAP, reverses the inhibitory effects of IS on endothelial cells. ► IS inhibits ERK MAP kinase activity in endothelial cells which is prevented by SNAP. ► IS activates myosin light chain in endothelial cells which is down-regulated by SNAP.