Nitric oxide and NO-synthases in mammals in different functional states.

This review deals with the physical and chemical properties of nitric oxide as well as with the mechanisms and enzymes synthesizing this compound in animals including humans. The cytotoxic, vasodilatory, neuromediatory, and other properties of NO are analyzed. Polyfunctionality of NO in the norm and in pathologies of different genesis is shown.

Ketoconazole inhibits oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein.

Known cytochrome P450-dependent oxygenase inhibitor ketoconazole (5-50 microM) blocked the murine macrophage-mediated modification of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) as measured by production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, stimulation of [125I]LDL degradation in a fresh set of macrophages and LDL electrophoretic mobility, in a dose-dependent manner with complete inhibition at 30-40 microM. When resident macrophages were incubated with LDL in the presence of metyrapone, methoxsalen and alpha-naphthaflavone at concentrations that have been shown to inhibit the cytochrome P450-dependent oxygenases, there was no change in LDL modification. Induction of benzo[alpha]pyrene hydroxylase activity in macrophages by 24 h incubation with benzo[alpha]pyrene was accompanied by a 1.

Influence of tocopherol on temperature of upper limbs at local cooling.

The influence of tocopherol (300 mg/day for 7 days) on skin temperature, arterial blood pressure and pulse rate at local cooling of upper limbs (submersion of both hands in water at +10 degrees C for 10 minutes) in volunteers living in Dixon (74 degrees N in the Taimir national region) was investigated. The findings indicate that the intake of tocopherol prevents temperature decrease in response to cold exposure and promotes more effective initial temperature recovery. Under the influence of tocopherol the spastic reactions of microvessels in the skin to cold became milder.