Effects of Taurine on Nitric Oxide and 3-Nitrotyrosine Levels in Spleen During Endotoxemia


Bircan F. S., Balabanli B., Turkozkan N., Ozan G.

NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH, vol.36, no.11, pp.1978-1983, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 36 Issue: 11
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11064-011-0521-3
  • Journal Name: NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1978-1983
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a free sulfur-containing beta-amino acid which has antioxidant, antiinflammatory and detoxificant properties. In the present study, the role of endotoxemia on peroxynitrite formation via 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) detection, and the possible antioxidant effect of taurine in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated guinea pigs were aimed. 40 adult male guinea pigs were divided into four groups; control, endotoxemia, taurine and taurine+endotoxemia. Animals were administered taurine (300 mg/kg), LPS (4 mg/kg) or taurine plus LPS intraperitoneally. After 6 h of incubation, when highest blood levels of taurine and endotoxin were attained, the animals were sacrificed and spleen samples were collected. The amounts of 3-nitrotyrosine and taurine were measured by HPLC, and reactive nitrogen oxide species (NOx) which are stable end products of nitric oxide was measured spectrophotometrically in spleen tissues. LPS administration significantly decreased the concentration of taurine whilst increased levels of 3-NT and NOx compared with control group. It was determined that taurine treatment decreased the levels of 3-nitrotyrosine and NOx in taurine? endotoxemia group. The group in which taurine was administered alone, contradiction to well-known antioxidant effect, taurine caused elevated concentration of 3-NT and NOx. This data suggest that taurine protects spleen against oxidative damage in endotoxemic conditions. However, the effect of taurine is different when it is administered alone. In conclusion, taurine may act as an antioxidant during endotoxemia, and as a prooxidant in healthy subjects at this dose.