The Effects of Hemoglobin on Nitric Oxide Concentration in the Hearts of Neonatal Rats

by: Mike Farrell

Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring molecule used throughout the body for a variety of functions. It is synthesized by the oxidation of L-arginine which is catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase (NOS). There are three isoforms of NOS depending on the eventual function of the NO. The focus of this study was on eNOS, which results in NO that regulates heart function. It has been suggested that regulating the NO concentration with hemoglobin may prevent myocardial damage. The purpose of this research was to determine at which concentration hemoglobin is able to reduce NO production. A cell line of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes was prepared and increasing concentrations of hemoglobin, along with L-NAME (a NOS inhibitor) and SNAP (a NOS promoter) were administered to the culture. Following incubation with the chemicals, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy was utilized to determine the concentration of nitrite in the cell supernatant. At the conclusion of this study it has been determined that chemical administration was not administered in a large enough dose with a strong enough concentration to elicit a significant response.

Research Advisor: Brian W. Witz, Ph.D., Nazareth College