| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2028166 | Steroids | 2010 | 5 Pages |
Estradiol increases mRNA and/or protein expression of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms in a variety of tissues including kidney. In this study we determined the relationship between cyclical variations in estradiol levels and renal function and total NO production in the virgin female rat. In addition, we used an aromatase inhibitor (Anastrozole), to inhibit synthesis of estradiol from testosterone. Estradiol levels were higher in proestrus vs. diestrus, and were markedly suppressed by 7 days treatment with aromatase inhibitor. There was no difference in total NO production (from urinary and plasma nitrate + nitrite = NOX) between proestrus and diestrus but aromatase inhibition resulted in increases in total NO production. The renal cortical NOS activity and protein abundance also increased in aromatase-inhibited female rats. There were no differences in blood pressure (BP) in any group but the renal vascular resistance (RVR) was low in proestrus, increased in diestrus and did not change further after aromatase inhibition. In summary, the cyclical changes in renal function correlate with estradiol but not NO levels. Pharmacologic castration with aromatase inhibition leads to a marked increase in total and renal NOS. This contrasts to earlier work where surgical castration causes decreased NOS.
Research highlightsWe report that in the cycling female rat, maximal renal vasodilation occurs at proestrus when estrogen levels are highest. However, aromatase inhibition which drastically lowers estrogen levels does not change renal vascular resistance from the diestrus value. Although estrogen is known to increase NO production, we observed that marked suppression of estrogen levels with aromatase inhibition led to increases in total and renal cortical NO production. We speculate that this may reflect nongenomic actions of the increase in testosterone caused by aromatase inhibition.
