Characterization of nitric oxide synthase activity in rabbit uterus and vagina: downregulation by estrogen

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was determined in the soluble (cytosolic) and particulate fractions of rabbit uterus, vagina and cerebellum and the influence of estrogen treatment on NOS activity was studied. NOS in both the cytosolic and particulate fractions was highly calcium dependent. The activity in cytosolic fraction was nearly 4-fold higher than the particulate fractions from all three organs. The concentration of NOS was highest in cerebellum followed by vagina and uterus. Vaginal NOS activity was 3-4-fold higher than the uterine NOS. After a continuous treatment of rabbits for one week with estrogen, cytosolic NOS was reduced by nearly 7 and 4-fold in the uterus and vagina, respectively, whereas there was no significant change in the particulate NOS. Estrogen treatment caused no change in cytosolic or particulate NOS from the cerebellum. Downregulation of cytosolic NOS by estrogen in the estrogen target tissues like uterus and vagina and absence of effect in the cerebellum strongly suggests a physiological significance.