L-Arginine transport in disease

Curr Med Chem Cardiovasc Hematol Agents. 2004 Apr;2(2):123-31. doi: 10.2174/1568016043477288.

Abstract

The importance of membrane transport in normal physiological cell function is unquestionable. However, to what extent alterations in the transport of amino acids are the cause and/or consequence of pathological changes observed in disease states is a question not yet completely clarified. Kinetic experiments with blood cells provide a simple and useful model for researching alterations in amino acid transport. The cationic amino acid L-arginine is the precursor of nitric oxide (NO), a key second messenger involved in functions such as endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation, immune defence and platelet activation. The transport of L-arginine, being rate-limiting for nitric oxide production, is extremely relevant to pathological conditions where NO synthesis and/or actions are affected. The current review provides an overview of L-arginine transport in disease, specifically in uraemia, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, septic shock and sickle cell disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Transport Systems, Basic / metabolism
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / metabolism
  • Arginine / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport
  • Diabetes Mellitus / metabolism
  • Heart Failure / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism
  • Shock, Septic / metabolism

Substances

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