A Study of the Pathway of Nitric Oxide Production by Nitroglycerin in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of nitroglycerin on the production of nitric oxide and its related pathway in cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC). METHODS: Primarily cultured HTMC were exposed to 10 nM nitroglycerin using 1% serum-containing media for 30 minutes. The production of nitric oxide was assessed with the Griess assay and expressions of eNOS mRNA was assessed with RT-PCR. Additionally, the cells were exposed to wortmanin and Akt1/2 kinase inhibitor to investigate the mechanism related to the production of nitric oxide. RESULTS: Nitroglycerin increased the production of nitric oxide (p < 0.05) accompanied with increased expression of eNOS mRNA. The increased production of nitric oxide and eNOS mRNA was inhibited by wortmanin and Akt1/2 kinase inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose nitroglycerin increased the production of nitric oxide accompanied by increased eNOS activity. Nitroglycerin drives eNOS activation via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway.

Papillary Serous Carcinoma in Rectum-a Case of Complete Remission of Bulky Pelvic Disease after Platinum-paclitaxel Combination Chemotherapy

Papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum (PSCP) is a primary tumor of peritoneal lining (mesothelioma) of the abdomen and is histologically difficult to differentiate from papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary. It is very rare tumor that involves the surface of the pelvic and/or abdominal peritoneum. Most patients with this tumor have been treated with optimally surgical cytoreduction and postoperative chemotherapy. However, long term survival has not been achieved in many studies. In recent years, platinum-paclitaxel combination therapy was reported as a effective initial therapy for recurrent PSCP. We have experienced one case of recurrent PSCP which was successfully treated with heptaplatin and paclitaxel. We report the toxicity and long term result of the patient.