Inhibitor Arginase
Arginase, an Mn2+ metalloenzyme, catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-arginine to yield L-ornithine and urea in ureotelic animals. Based on their distribution, two isoforms of arginase have been described. Type I arginase, a cytosolic enzyme, is found in the hepatic tissue and besides participating in the urea cycle, it also plays a significant role in limiting the supply of arginine for nitric oxide (•NO) synthesis. Type II arginase is a mitochondrial enzyme found in extrahepatic tissues, and is involved in the regulation of extra-urea cycle arginine metabolism and in the down-regulation of NO synthesis. Due to the reciprocal regulation between arginase and nitric oxide synthase, arginase inhibitors are considered to have therapeutic potential in treating NO-dependent smooth muscle disorders, such as erectile dysfunctions and polyamine induced bronchial constriction.
References:
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Salimuddin et al. 1999. Am J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 277, E110.
Morris, S.M. Jr., et al. 1998. Am J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 275, E740.
