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Figure 2 | Molecular Medicine

Figure 2

From: Tetrahydrobiopterin, L-Arginine and Vitamin C Act Synergistically to Decrease Oxidative Stress, Increase Nitric Oxide and Improve Blood Flow after Induction of Hindlimb Ischemia in the Rat

Figure 2

Effects of BH4, L-arginine (L-arg) and vitamin C (VitC) on NOS activity in the ischemic gastrocnemius muscle. Muscle was harvested 14 d after the induction of hindlimb ischemia, and supernatants from muscle homogenates were used in these assays. (A) Ca2+-dependent NOS activity was increased by all dietary additives, although the greatest increase was noted in mice receiving BH4 + L-arginine or BH4 + L-arginine + vitamin C. Data are mean ± sd; n = 5–6. *p < 0.05 versus control; p < 0.05 versus BH4 or L-arginine groups; ‡p < 0.05 versus BH4 + L-arginine group. (B) NOx (nitrite + nitrate) was increased in mice receiving BH4 + L-arginine or BH4 + L-arginine + vitamin C. Data are mean ± sd; n = 5. *p < 0.05 versus control; p < 0.05 versus BH4 or L-arginine groups. (C) Ca2+-independent NOS activity was less in mice receiving BH4 + L-arginine or BH4 + L-arginine + vitamin C than in control mice. Data are mean ± sd; n = 5–6. *p < 0.05 versus control. In all graphs, control rats were fed normal chow and underwent hindlimb ischemia, whereas the four treatment groups consumed diets supplemented with additives noted in the bar graph. Concentrations of these additives are noted in the text.

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