Description
L-
NMMA is the archetypal competitive NOS inhibitor to which other inhibitors are often compared. It is a relatively non-
selective inhibitor of all NOS isoforms. The K
i values for nNOS (rat), eNOS (human), and iNOS (mouse) are approximately 0.18, 0.4, and 6 μM, respectively.
Chemical Properties
White Crystalline Powder
Uses
Nitric oxide synthase inhibitor
Uses
Reagent to inhibit nitric oxide production in biological systems.
Uses
A potent inhibitor of NO synthase of adrenal glands, brain, and vascular endothelial cells
Biological Activity
Competitive, irreversible inhibitor of all three NOS isoforms.
Biochem/physiol Actions
NG-Methyl-L-arginine is an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase in neurons, endothelial cells, and macrophages. It inhibits endothelium-derived relaxing factor and promotes contraction in pulmonary artery and vein. It stereo selectively inhibits the generation of nitric oxide (NO) from arginine. It promotes epinephrine and glucose levels, contributing to hyperglycemia in central nervous system.
References
[1] O W GRIFFITH R G K. Nitric oxide synthase inhibitors: amino acids.[J]. Methods in enzymology, 1996, 268: 375-392. DOI:
10.1016/s0076-6879(96)68040-9[2] C FREY. L-thiocitrulline. A stereospecific, heme-binding inhibitor of nitric-oxide synthases.[J]. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1994, 269 42: 26083-26091.
[3] GARVEY E.P. Purification and Characterization of the Constitutive Nitric-Oxide Synthase from Human Placenta[J]. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics, 1994, 311 2: Pages 235-241. DOI:
10.1006/abbi.1994.1232
