Effect of L-arginine on the Expression of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) in Heart Tissues of Diabetic Rats

Aims: This study aimed to determine the role of L-arginine on eNOS expression and its role on the level of some antioxidants as reduced glutathione and catalase in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Study Design: Ninety adult male albino rats were divided into three (3) groups of thirty rats (30) each: Group (I): Control group, Group (II): Diabetic control group, Group (III): L-arginine treatment group. The second and the third groups were made diabetic by intraperitoneal administration of 80 mg/kg alloxan monohydrate, while L-arginine (100 mg/kg in sterile 0.9% Nacl) was given orally to rats in group III for one week before alloxan injection, and a further four weeks after induction of diabetes. The animals were sacrificed and blood collected for the determination of biochemical and antioxidant markers. Heart tissues were homogenized for determination of expression of eNOS gene by RT- PCR.

Results: The study showed that L-arginine increases HDL, reduces glutathione and catalase and decreases LDL, TAG, Cholesterol and MDA. It also increased the expression of eNOS in heart tissues of diabetic rats.