Effect of simvastatin on NO secreted by endothelial cells
Zhi Yong-cha · Chinese Journal of Cardiovascular Review · 2007
Objective To investigate the effect of simvastatin on NO secreted by endothelial cells.Methods Primary culture of the vascular endothelial cells were obtained from the human umbilical vein.Simvastatin in different concentration(from 1×10-7 mmol/L to 1×10-5 mmol/L)were added to the medium.After 24 h,supernatant of the medium were collected and NO levels in culture medium were determined colorime trically.NO levels in culture media with simvastatin(1×10-5 mmol/L)were also respectively determined by the same methode after 6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h.We incubated vascular endothelial cells respectively with NG-minomethyl-L-arginine(L-NMMA),mevalonate,squalene,farnesylpyrophosphate(FFP)and geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate(GGPP)in the prensence of simvastatin(1×10-5 mmol/L).After 24 h,supernatant of the medium were collected and NO levels in culture medium were determined colorime trically.Results Simvastatin promoted the secretion of NO in a time-dise-dependent manner.L-NMMA,mevalonate and GGPP completely blocked the stimulatory effects of simvastatin(1×10-5 mmol/L)on nitrite production after a 24-hour incubation period.Squalene and FPP did not.Conclusion Simvastatin improve the function of vascular endothelial cells and the effect of simvastatin is independent from its lipid lowering properties.