Inhibitory effect of gaseous neuromodulators in vasopressin and oxytocin release induced by endotoxin in rats

Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) are endogenously synthesized gaseous molecules that act as neurotransmitters in central nervous system. In this study we investigated the modulatory role of NO and CO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vasopressin and oxytocin secretion. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Nϖ-l-nitro-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bis glicol (ZnDPBG) or hemin did not change the basal vasopressin and oxytocin plasma levels. After endovenous LPS administration, plasma vasopressin and oxytocin increased, reaching a peak at 60 min, and returning to basal levels afterwards. LPS administration induced a higher vasopressin and oxytocin plasma levels in rats previously treated with l-NAME and ZnDPBG (P < 0.05) compared to rats pre-treated with vehicle. On the other hand, in rats previously treated with SIN-1 or hemin, there was a significant reduction in the vasopressin and oxytocin secretion. These findings confirm the inhibitory role of NO and CO in the LPS-induced vasopressin and oxytocin secretion.