We examined the effect of H(2)O(2) on the expression of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) feedback regulating protein (GFRP). Addition of H(2)O(2) to endothelial cells decreased GFRP mRNA levels, in contrast to the increase of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) content and GTPCH mRNA levels. The inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthase and GTPCH had no influence on the decrease of GFRP mRNA levels in H(2)O(2)-treated cells. It is suggested that H(2)O(2) induces BH(4) synthesis through not only induction of GTPCH but also reduction of GFRP. The decrease of GFRP mRNA level appears to be independent of the produced NO and BH(4).