Role of Nitric Oxide in Thiol Mediated Ion Migration

Abstract

Nitric oxide is recognized as a signalling molecule. It contributes to blood pressure regulation, neuronal communication, immune defence and vasodilator, etc. Recent studied have shown that blood serum levels of NO are on the higher side in enclampsia. Also it is observed that thiols in presence of superoxides form disulphide bonds between interacting systems affecting embryo implantation
and electrolyte transport across placental membranes. The author
has therefore attempted to study the effect of thiols on electrolyte
(NaCl, KCl and CaCl₂) migration and modifications, if any, of the
same on addition of NaNO₂ and sodium nitroprusside (Na-Np). It
is observed that membrane ion equilibria, conductance and flow
rates of solutions of electrolytes are influenced by thiols (bovine
serum albumin BSA, glutathione, cysteine) and that addition of
NaNO₂ and Na-Np causes change in these. Turbidity of the thiol
solutions is increased on addition of these nitro compounds. These
observations indicate that thiols probably form some aggregates in
presence of NO which affect their mechanism of ion transport
resulting in pressure changes.