L-arginine transporters in cardiovascular disease: a novel therapeutic target

Pharmacol Ther. 2007 Dec;116(3):428-36. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2007.08.001. Epub 2007 Aug 28.

Abstract

The amino acid l-arginine participates in a variety of key biochemical and physiological activities, including its well-recognized role as the key substrate for nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. The current review describes the cellular influences on arginine metabolism with particular focus on the transport of l-arginine in the endothelium. It details the processes by which intracellular and extracellular levels of l-arginine may influence nitric oxide production and further documents the imbalance that is evident in various cardiovascular disease states. In man, impairment of l-arginine transport has been observed in hypertension, heart failure, and renal disease, and it may thus be a relevant therapeutic target for rectification of nitric oxide pathogenesis in these conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Transport Systems, Basic / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Animals
  • Arginine / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • Nitric Oxide / biosynthesis

Substances

  • Amino Acid Transport Systems, Basic
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Arginine