Characterization of a putative nitric oxide synthase in the neuromuscular system of the parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum

Z.A. Bascal, James Cunningham, L. Holden-Dye, M. O'Shea, R.J. Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this paper we report on the biochemical presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-like activity in Ascaris suum tissue and examine the pharmacological effect of NO donors on A. suum muscle strip preparation. NOS activity was determined by monitoring the formation of [3H]citrulline from [3H]L-arginine and NO formation via the oxyhaemoglobin assay. Neuromuscular tissue from A. suum which stained positively for NADPH diaphorase, contained NOS activity. Neither NOS activity nor NADPH diaphorase staining was detected in intestinal tissue. The absence of Ca2+, NADPH and other co-factors normally required for mammalian neuronal NOS activity only partially reduced the formation of both citrulline and NO by A. suum neuromuscular homogenate. The results of the biochemical assays indicate the presence of an enzyme capable of producing NO and citrulline, but with a different profile from that of rat neuronal NOS. We also present preliminary evidence for the action of NO (NO donors) in the neuromuscular system of A. suum.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)219-232
Number of pages14
JournalParasitology
Volume122
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2001

Keywords

  • Ascaris suum
  • nematode
  • invertebrate
  • nitric oxide synthase.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Characterization of a putative nitric oxide synthase in the neuromuscular system of the parasitic nematode, Ascaris suum'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this