The Volatile Oil of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma Induces Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in HUVEC Cells
Figure 2
NRR volatile oil stimulates the production of NO in cultured HUVECs.
Cultured HUVECs were pre-treated with serum free medium or L-NAME (100 µM) for 3 hours, and then labeled with fluorescent NO indicator DAF-FM DA for 30 min. Then the cells were washed with 1X NPSS at pH = 7.4, and then fluorimetric measurement were performed after the treatment of volatile oil (25 µg/mL), A23187 (1 µM, positive control), or control (without drug treatment). The amounts of NO were evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity excited at 495 nm and emitted at 515 nm. Micrographs were taken by the confocal microscope. Bar = 100 µm. (left panel). Quantification of intracellular NO production was displayed as a ratio of fluorescence intensity at any time (Fn) to the control at time 0 (F0) in the cultures (right panel). Mean ± SEM, n = 4.