Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite induce gene expression of interleukin receptors increasing IL-21, IL-7, IL-1 and oncostatin M in cardiomyocytes

AimThe objective of this investigation was to determine whether nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite alter the gene expression of interleukin receptors (IL-R) in cardiomyocytes.Main methodsCardiomyocytes, from neonatal mouse heart, in culture were treated with the NO donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1), which releases NO and peroxynitrite. IL-R gene expression was assessed by microarray analysis.Key findingsGene expression data show that the IL-2 receptor family showed a highly significant and 1.7-fold increase in the gamma chain component which is common to all members of the IL-2 family receptors. There was a significant and 2-fold increase in IL-21 R and an increase of 1.8-fold in IL-7 Rα gene expression. In contrast there was a significant 0.7-fold decrease in IL-9 Rα. The IL-1 receptor family showed a significant and 1.4-fold increase in IL-1 R1 compared to control but no change in IL-18 R1 gene expression which was similar to control. The IL-6 family showed a significant increase in oncostatin M receptor gene expression of 1.3-fold but no change in IL-6 R alpha or IL-11 R alpha.SignificanceThese data suggest that NO/peroxynitrite by increasing gene expression of certain IL-Rs may magnify the effects of specific interleukins in conditions of excess interleukin production.