Nitric oxide increases gene expression of Ca(2+)-ATPase in myocardial and skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum: physiological implications.

The aim of the study was to verify the hypothesis that NO-dependent regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) gene expression can play an important role in prevention of calcium overload under the influence of detrimental factors. It was shown that 2 hours after the administration of the NO donor dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC), the gene expression of myocardial SERCA was increased by 20% as compared to the control. In skeletal muscles, the maximum increase in SERCA expression was observed in 6 hours and amounted to 156% as compared with the initial value.

Is HSP70 involved in nitric oxide-induced protection of the heart?

It is known that HSP70 plays an important role in the antiischaemic effect of adaptation to stress. The aim of our study was to verify the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) may contribute to the activation of HSP70 synthesis and to enhance thereby the resistance of organism to the ischaemic and reperfusion damages. We observed that heat shock potentiated NO production in the heart.