Reactive oxygen species as cardiovascular mediators: Lessons from endothelial-specific protein overexpression mouse models

The term reactive oxygen species (ROS) summarizes several small chemical compounds such as superoxide, peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. The stoichiometry of the chemical reactions underlying generation and metabolism is subject of tight enzymatic regulation resulting in well balanced steady-state concentrations throughout the healthy body. ROS are short-lived and usually active at the site of production only, e.g. in vascular endothelial cells. Although an increase of vascular ROS-production is considered an important pathogenic factor in cardiovascular diseases, there is evidence for physiological or even beneficial effects as well. We have generated several transgenic mice using the Tie-2 promotor which expresses an enzyme of interest specifically in vascular endothelial cells. Here, we review some results obtained with mice carrying a Tie-2-driven overexpression of catalase or endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Tie-2-catalase mice have a strongly reduced steady-state concentration of vascular hydrogen peroxide and show profound hypotension that is not dependent on the bioavailability of endothelial nitric oxide but is completely reversible by treatment with the catalase inhibitor aminotriazole. A similar hypotension was observed in transgenic mice with an endothelial-specific overexpression of eNOS but this hypotension is entirely dependent on vascular eNOS activity. These observations suggest a tonic effect of hydrogen peroxide on vascular smooth muscle. Further studies suggested that hydrogen peroxide promotes the exercise-induced increase of vascular eNOS expression and inhibits the release of endothelial progenitor cells induced by exercise training. In summary, our data support the concept of a dual role of ROS in the vascular system.