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Inducible NO Synthase (inducible + no_synthase)
Selected AbstractsIn vitro induction of nitric oxide synthase in astrocytes and microglia by Trypanosoma brucei bruceiPARASITE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2000Murielle Girard In stage II human african trypanosomiasis (HAT), which is characterized by central nervous system (CNS) involvement, neurones and oligodendrocytes might be targets of dysimmune processes. Nitric oxide (NO) production by peripheral macrophages is documented in HAT. We studied the production of NO by murine astrocytes and microglia cocultured with Trypanosoma brucei(T. b.) brucei AnTat 1.9. Purified astrocytes or microglia from mouse brains were cocultured with T. b. brucei, and in some instances with interferon (IFN)-,, which is known to be released during the disease and also to be a growth factor for trypanosomes. Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression was studied by indirect immunofluorescence and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. NO production was determined by measuring nitrite generation in culture. Detection of iNOS in astrocytes and microglia in the presence of T. b. brucei, was closely associated with nitrite production and was strongly enhanced by the addition of IFN-, to the culture medium. The stimulation of iNOS activity required parasite,cell contact and likely occurred at the transcriptional level. This study demonstrates the induction of iNOS in CNS-related macrophage cells in the presence of trypanosomes and its potentiation by IFN-,. [source] Effect of oleocanthal and its derivatives on inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharide in a murine chondrocyte cell lineARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 6 2010Anna Iacono Objective In joint diseases, cartilage homeostasis is disrupted by mechanisms that are driven by combinations of biologic factors that vary according to the disease process. In osteoarthritis (OA), biomechanical stimuli predominate, with up-regulation of both catabolic and anabolic factors. Likewise, OA progression is characterized by increased nitric oxide (NO) production, which has been associated with cartilage degradation. Given the relevance of cartilage degenerative diseases in our society, the development of a novel pharmacologic intervention is a critically important public health goal. Recently, oleocanthal isolated from extra virgin olive oil was found to display nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug activity similar to that of ibuprofen, a drug widely used in the therapeutic management of joint inflammatory diseases. We undertook this study to evaluate the effect of oleocanthal and its derivatives on the modulation of NO production in chondrocytes. Methods Cultured ATDC-5 chondrocytes were tested with different doses of oleocanthal and its derivatives. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. Nitrite accumulation was determined in culture supernatant using the Griess reaction. Inducible NO synthase (NOS2) protein expression was examined using Western blotting analysis. Results Oleocanthal and its derivatives decreased lipopolysaccharide-induced NOS2 synthesis in chondrocytes without significantly affecting cell viability at lower concentrations. Among the derivatives we examined, derivative 231 was the most interesting, since its inhibitory effect on NOS2 was devoid of cytotoxicity even at higher concentrations. Conclusion This class of molecules shows potential as a therapeutic weapon for the treatment of inflammatory degenerative joint diseases. [source] Imidazoline-induced amplification of glucose- and carbachol-stimulated insulin release includes a marked suppression of islet nitric oxide generation in the mouseACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2009S. Meidute-Abaraviciene Abstract Aim:, The role of islet nitric oxide (NO) production in insulin-releasing mechanisms is unclear. We examined whether the beneficial effects of the imidazoline derivative RX 871024 (RX) on ,-cell function might be related to perturbations of islet NO production. Methods:, Experiments were performed with isolated islets or intact mice challenged with glucose or carbachol with or without RX treatment. Insulin was determined with radioimmunoassay, NO generation with high-performance liquid chromatography and expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) with confocal microscopy. Results:, RX treatment, in doses lacking effects on basal insulin, greatly amplified insulin release stimulated by the NO-generating secretagogues glucose and carbachol both in vitro and in vivo. RX also improved the glucose tolerance curve. Islets incubated at high glucose levels (20 mmol L,1) displayed increased NO production derived from both neuronal constitutive NO synthase (ncNOS) and iNOS. RX abrogated this glucose-induced NO production concomitant with amplification of insulin release. Confocal microscopy revealed abundant iNOS expression in , cells after incubation of islets at high but not low glucose levels. This was abolished after RX treatment. Similarly, islets cultured for 24 h at high glucose levels showed intense iNOS expression in , cells. This was abrogated with RX and followed by an amplified glucose-induced insulin release. Conclusion:, RX effectively counteracts the negative impact of ,-cell NO generation on insulin release stimulated by glucose and carbachol suggesting imidazoline compounds by virtue of NOS inhibitory properties being of potential therapeutic value for treatment of ,-cell dysfunction in hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes. [source] A pathway through interferon-, is the main pathway for induction of nitric oxide upon stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide in mouse peritoneal cellsFEBS JOURNAL, Issue 19 2003Motohiro Matsuura Production of nitric oxide (NO) in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated using cultures of mouse peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) and the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. In the presence of anti-(interferon-,) (IFN-,), NO production was markedly suppressed in the PEC culture but not in the RAW264.7 culture. In the PEC culture, LPS induced both IFN-, production and activation of IFN response factor-1, which leads to the gene expression of inducible NO synthase, but neither was induced in the culture of RAW264.7 cells. In addition to anti-(IFN-,), antibodies against interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 showed a suppressive effect on LPS-induced NO production in the PEC culture, and these antibodies in synergy showed strong suppression. Stimulation of the PEC culture with IL-12 or IL-18 induced production of IFN-, and NO, and these cytokines, in combination, exhibited marked synergism. Stimulation of the culture with IFN-, induced production of NO, but not IL-12. The macrophage population in the PEC, prepared as adherent cells, responded well to LPS for IL-12 production, but weakly for production of IFN-, and NO. The macrophages also responded well to IFN-, for NO production. For production of IFN-, by stimulation with LPS or IL-12 + IL-18, nonadherent cells were required in the PEC culture. Considering these results overall, the indirect pathway, through the production of intermediates (such as IFN-,-inducing cytokines and IFN-,) by the cooperation of macrophages with nonadherent cells, was revealed to play the main role in the LPS-induced NO production pathway, as opposed to the direct pathway requiring only a macrophage population. [source] Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in laryngeal neoplasia: Correlation with angiogenesisHEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 1 2002Alessandro Franchi MD Abstract Background The nitric oxide (NO) pathway plays a relevant role in angiogenesis and tumor progression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. The aim of this study was to assess whether the NO pathway may be correlated with angiogenesis in the transition from laryngeal dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Methods We investigated the expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in 26 laryngeal precancerous lesions and 35 squamous cell carcinomas with respect to microvessel density. In addition, we determined iNOS activity and cGMP levels in specimens from SCCs. Results There was a significant increase of iNOS levels detected immunohistochemically passing from hyperplastic/mild dysplastic to moderate/severe dysplastic lesions to SCC (p = .04). Accordingly, Northern and Western analyses demonstrated higher iNOS mRNA and protein levels in SCCs than dysplastic mucosa. iNOS expression was significantly correlated with microvessel counts both in the group of preneoplastic lesions (p = .02) and in the group of SCCs (p = .01). In addition, iNOS activity was correlated with iNOS immunohistochemical expression (p = .1) and was significantly associated with increased vascularization (p = .03) in SCCs. Similarly, iNOS expression was significantly correlated with cGMP levels in SCC (p = .02) and increased tumor vascularization correlated with higher cGMP levels (rs = .4; p = .01). Conclusions Our data indicate that the NO pathway may play a relevant role in the angiogenesis associated with the progression from laryngeal dysplasia to laryngeal SCC. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 24: 16,23, 2002. [source] Nuclear factor-kappaB as a molecular target for migraine therapy.HEADACHE, Issue 4 2003U Reuter Ann Neurol. 2002;51:507-516. Nitric oxide (NO) generated from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) participates in immune and inflammatory responses in many tissues. The NO donor glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) provokes delayed migraine attacks when infused into migraineurs and also causes iNOS expression and delayed inflammation within rodent dura mater. Sodium nitroprusside, an NO donor as well, also increases iNOS expression. Because inflammation and iNOS are potential therapeutic targets, we examined transcriptional regulation of iNOS following GTN infusion and the consequences of its inhibition within dura mater. We show that intravenous GTN increases NO production within macrophages. L-N(6)-(1-iminoethyl)lysine, a selective iNOS inhibitor, attenuates the NO signal, emphasizing the importance of enzymatic activity to delayed NO production. iNOS expression is preceded by significant nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) activity, as reflected by a reduction in the inhibitory protein-kappa-Balpha (IkappaBalpha) and activation of NF-kappaB after GTN infusion. IkappaBalpha degradation, NF-kappaB activation, and iNOS expression were attenuated by parthenolide (3mg/kg), the active constituent of feverfew, an anti-inflammatory drug used for migraine treatment. These findings suggest that GTN promotes NF-kappaB activity and inflammation with a time course consistent with migraine attacks in susceptible individuals. We conclude, based on results with this animal model, that blockade of NF-kappaB activity provides a novel transcriptional target for the development of anti-migraine drugs. Comment: This paper suggesting the localization of NO production in dural macrophages as part of delayed inflammation may indicate proliferation and or recruitment of these cells in migraine. Could this also be a target for drug treatment? Specifically, is the genetic transcription that leads to nitric oxide generation such a target? To amend slightly the old advertising slogan, "when Michael Moskowitz talks, we all listen." DSM and SJT [source] Nitric oxide suppresses transforming growth factor-,1,induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis in mouse hepatocytes,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Xinchao Pan Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional regulator that is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. Here we report that administration of NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) inhibited transforming growth factor-,1 (TGF-,1)-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis in mouse hepatocytes. Overexpression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) by transfection of the iNOS-expressing vector, which increased NO production, also inhibited the TGF-,1-induced EMT and apoptosis in these cells. Treatment of cells with proinflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-,, interleukin (IL)-1,, and interferon (IFN)-,, which increased the endogenous NO production, produced the same inhibitory effect. Furthermore, exogenous NO donor SNAP treatment caused a decrease in the intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Consistently, depletion of intracellular ATP by mitochondrial uncoupler carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) inhibited the TGF-,1-induced EMT and apoptosis, suggesting that an NO-induced decrease of ATP involved in the NO-mediated inhibition of TGF-,1-induced EMT and apoptosis. NO and FCCP also inhibited TGF-,1-induced STAT3 activation, suggesting that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inactivation is involved in the NO-induced effects on TGF-,1-induced EMT and apoptosis. Conclusion: Our study indicates that NO plays an important role in the inhibition of TGF-,1-induced EMT and apoptosis in mouse hepatocytes through the downregulation of intracellular ATP levels. The data provide an insight into the in vivo mechanisms on the function of NO during the processes of both EMT and apoptosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.) [source] Overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and accumulation of 8-OHdG in nasopharyngeal carcinomaHISTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Y Segawa Aims:, Nitric oxide (NO), produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), has been suggested to cause oxidative stress, leading to 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) accumulation and subsequent transversion mutation of DNA. The aim was to evaluate iNOS expression and the status of oxidative stress in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods and results:, Seventy-three cases of NPC were investigated to examine the immunohistochemical expression of iNOS, 8-OHdG and latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) and Epstein,Barr virus-encoded small RNA (EBER) expression using in situ hybridization. iNOS mRNA expression and p53 gene mutations were also assessed. Overexpression of iNOS, LMP-1 and EBER was observed in 62 (84.9%), 28 (38.4%) and 53 (72.6%) cases respectively. p53 gene mutation was found in 10 of 73 (13.7%) cases. Immunohistochemical iNOS expression was associated with the 8-OHdG labelling index, iNOS mRNA expression and p53 gene alteration (P < 0.0001, P = 0.016 and 0.0082 respectively). Conclusions:, Our present findings suggest that the expression of iNOS induces oxidative stress in NPC. Although the presence of p53 mutation was associated with iNOS overexpression, the type of acid,base change of p53 was transition, but not transversion, which suggests that the p53 gene is not the direct target of DNA damage by 8-OHdG accumulation. [source] Sulphasalazine inhibits macrophage activation: inhibitory effects on inducible nitric oxide synthase expression, interleukin-12 production and major histocompatibility complex II expressionIMMUNOLOGY, Issue 4 2001György Haskó Summary The anti-inflammatory agent sulphasalazine is an important component of several treatment regimens in the therapy of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Sulphasalazine has many immunomodulatory actions, including modulation of the function of a variety of cell types, such as lymphocytes, natural killer cells, epithelial cells and mast cells. However, the effect of this agent on macrophage (M,) function has not been characterized in detail. In the present study, we investigated the effect of sulphasalazine and two related compounds , sulphapyridine and 5-aminosalicylic acid , on M, activation induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-, (IFN-,). In J774 M, stimulated with LPS (10 µg/ml) and IFN-, (100 U/ml), sulphasalazine (50,500 µm) suppressed nitric oxide (NO) production in a concentration-dependent manner. The expression of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was suppressed by sulphasalazine at 500 µm. Sulphasalazine inhibited the LPS/IFN-,-induced production of both interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 and p70. The suppression of both NO and IL-12 production by sulphasalazine was superior to that by either sulphapyridine or 5-aminosalicylic acid. Although the combination of LPS and IFN-, induced a rapid expression of the active forms of p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases and c-Jun terminal kinase, sulphasalazine failed to interfere with the activation of any of these kinases. Finally, sulphasalazine suppressed the IFN-,-induced expression of major histocompatibility complex class II. These results demonstrate that the M, is an important target of the immunosuppressive effect of sulphasalazine. [source] Role of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Skeletal Adaptation to Acute Increases in Mechanical Loading,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 6 2002Makoto Watanuki M.D. Abstract To clarify the role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulation of bone metabolism in response to skeletal loading, we examined inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene knockout mice in the tail-suspension model. Histomorphometric analyses of proximal tibias revealed that 7 days of tail suspension decreased the bone volume (BV/TV) and bone formation rate (BFR/BS) and increased the osteoclast surface (Oc.S/BS) in mice with all iNOS genotypes. Both iNOS+/+ and iNOS+/, mice responded to subsequent 14-day reloading, with increases in BV/TV and BFR/BS and a decrease in Oc.S/BS, whereas these responses were abolished in iNOS,/, mice. The osteoblasts flattened after tail suspension appeared cuboidal during subsequent reloading. Immunoreactivity for iNOS was detected in these osteoblasts and osteocytes by immunohistochemistry. These defective responses after reloading were rescued in iNOS,/, mice by treatment with an NO donor nitroglycerine (NG). Conversely, the responses in iNOS+/+ mice were inhibited by treatment with an NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG). In bone marrow cell cultures, mineralized nodules derived from iNOS,/, mice after reloading were significantly reduced. Taken together, our results suggest that NO generated by iNOS in osteoblasts plays a critical role in adjusting bone turnover and increasing osteogenic activity in response to the acute increase in mechanical loading after tail suspension. [source] Downregulation of a rheumatoid arthritis-related antigen (RA-A47) by ra-a47 antisense oligonucleotides induces inflammatory factors in chondrocytesJOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Takako Hattori Previously we have shown that the expression of RA-A47 (rheumatoid arthritis-related antigen) which is identical to HSP47, a collagen-binding chaperon, is downregulated in chondrocytes by tumor necrosis factor , (TNF,). RA-A47 was also found on the surface of chondrocytes where it is recognized as an antigen in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Its translocation to the cell surface from endoplasmic reticulum membrane where it is normally located was also enhanced by TNF,. To understand the significance of RA-A47 downregulation in chondrocytes independent from other effects of TNF,, we used an antisense oligonucleotide approach and investigated the effect of this treatment on the expression of molecules related to matrix degradation and production of growth factors for chondrocytic, endothelial, and synovial cells. Here we show that treatment of rabbit chondrocyes and human chondrosarcoma cells HCS-2/8 by ra-a47 antisense S -oligonucleotides significantly reduced the expression of ra-a47 both at mRNA and protein level. Interestingly, this TNF,-independent RA-A47 downregulation was associated with a strong induction of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 mRNA and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA. The induction of active-type MMP-9 was further detected by gelatin zymography. Under the same conditions, the release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) from HCS-2/8 cells into the conditioned medium (CM) was strongly enhanced. These effects were not a result of TNF, upregulation, since the ra-a47 antisense oligonucleotide treatment did not enhance TNF, synthesis. These observations indicate that downregulation of RA-A47 induces TNF,-independent cartilage-degrading pathways involving iNOS and MMP-9. Furthermore, the stimulation of bFGF and CTGF release from chondrocytes may stimulate the proliferation of adjacent endothelial and/or synovial cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 94,102, 2003© 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Endothelial dysfunction in aged humans is related with oxidative stress and vascular inflammationAGING CELL, Issue 3 2009Leocadio Rodríguez-Mańas Summary Vascular endothelial dysfunction occurs during the human aging process, and it is considered as a crucial event in the development of many vasculopathies. We investigated the underlying mechanisms of this process, particularly those related with oxidative stress and inflammation, in the vasculature of subjects aged 18,91 years without cardiovascular disease or risk factors. In isolated mesenteric microvessels from these subjects, an age-dependent impairment of the endothelium-dependent relaxations to bradykinin was observed. Similar results were observed by plethysmography in the forearm blood flow in response to acetylcholine. In microvessels from subjects aged less than 60 years, most of the bradykinin-induced relaxation was due to nitric oxide release while the rest was sensitive to cyclooxygenase (COX) blockade. In microvessels from subjects older than 60 years, this COX-derived vasodilatation was lost but a COX-derived vasoconstriction occurred. Evidence for age-related vascular oxidant and inflammatory environment was observed, which could be related to the development of endothelial dysfunction. Indeed, aged microvessels showed superoxide anions (O2,) and peroxynitrite (ONOO,) formation, enhancement of NADPH oxidase and inducible NO synthase expression. Pharmacological interference of COX, thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor, O2,, ONOO,, inducible NO synthase, and NADPH oxidase improved the age-related endothelial dysfunction. In situ vascular nuclear factor-,B activation was enhanced with age, which correlated with endothelial dysfunction. We conclude that the age-dependent endothelial dysfunction in human vessels is due to the combined effect of oxidative stress and vascular wall inflammation. [source] Nitric oxide-producing microglia mediate thrombin-induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in rat midbrain slice cultureJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2006Hiroshi Katsuki Abstract Activated microglia are considered to play important roles in degenerative processes of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Here we examined mechanisms of neurotoxicity of thrombin, a protease known to trigger microglial activation, in organotypic midbrain slice cultures. Thrombin induced a progressive decline in the number of dopaminergic neurons, an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production, and whole tissue injury indicated by lactate dehydrogenase release and propidium iodide uptake. Microglia expressed inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in response to thrombin, and inhibition of iNOS rescued dopaminergic neurons without affecting whole tissue injury. Inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) attenuated thrombin-induced iNOS induction and dopaminergic cell death. Whole tissue injury was also attenuated by inhibition of ERK and p38 MAPK. Moreover, depletion of resident microglia from midbrain slices abrogated thrombin-induced NO production and dopaminergic cell death, but did not inhibit tissue injury. Finally, antioxidative drugs prevented thrombin-induced dopaminergic cell death without affecting whole tissue injury. Hence, NO production resulting from MAPK-dependent microglial iNOS induction is a crucial event in thrombin-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration, whereas damage of other midbrain cells is MAPK-dependent but is NO-independent. [source] The Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Reverts Arthritic-Induced Decrease in Pituitary Growth Hormone mRNA But Not in Liver Insulin-Like Growth Factor I mRNA ExpressionJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 12 2003I. Ibáńez De Cáceres Abstract Experimental arthritis induced by Freund-adjuvant administration is a model of chronic inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis associated with a decrease in pituitary growth hormone (GH) and hepatic insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) gene expression. Excessive nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory illness. Moreover, NO participates in the regulation of GH secretion at both the hypothalamus and the pituitary. We have examined the role of iNOS activation in producing the changes in the GH-IGF-I axis in arthritic rats. Adult male Wistar rats received aminoguanidine or vehicle from day 20, after adjuvant or vehicle injection, until day 28. Two hours and 30 min after the last aminoguanidine injection, all rats were killed by decapitation. Arthritis increased hypothalamic expression of somatostatin mRNA while it decreased pituitary GH mRNA expression, and both effects were prevented by aminoguanidine administration. In arthritic rats, the parallel decrease in serum IGF-I, and in hepatic IGF-I content and mRNA expression, correlates with the decrease in circulating GH concentrations. Aminoguanidine administration to arthritic rats did not modify either serum GH or serum IGF-I concentrations, or hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression. However, aminoguanidine administration to control rats resulted in a decrease in serum GH concentrations and in a decrease in both hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression and serum IGF-I concentrations. These data suggest that NO mediates the arthritis-induced decrease in GH mRNA expression by acting at a hypothalamic level, but it is not involved in the decrease in hepatic IGF-I mRNA expression. [source] Blockade of chloride intracellular ion channel 1 stimulates A, phagocytosisJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 11 2008Silvia Paradisi Abstract In amyloid-, (A,)-stimulated microglial cells, blockade of chloride intracellular ion channel 1 (CLIC1) reverts the increase in tumor necrosis factor-, and nitric oxide (NO) production and results in neuroprotection of cocultured neurons. This effect could be of therapeutic efficacy in Alzheimer's disease (AD), where microglial activation may contribute to neurodegeneration, but it could reduce A, phagocytosis, which could facilitate amyloid plaque removal. Here, we analyzed the CLIC1 blockade effect on A,-stimulated mononuclear phagocytosis. In the microglial cell line BV-2, A,25,35 treatment enhanced fluorescent bead phagocytosis, which persisted also in the presence of IAA-94, a CLIC1 channel blocker. The same result was obtained in rat primary microglia and in BV2 cells, where CLIC1 expression had been knocked down with a plasmid producing small interfering RNAs. To address specifically the issue of A, phagocytosis, we treated BV-2 cells with biotinylated A,1,42 and measured intracellular amyloid by morphometric analysis. IAA-94-treated cells showed an increased A, phagocytosis after 24 hr and efficient degradation of ingested material after 72 hr. In addition, we tested A,1,42 phagocytosis in adult rat peritoneal macrophages. Also, these cells actively phagocytosed A,1,42 in the presence of IAA-94. However, the increased expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), stimulated by A,, was reverted by IAA-94. In parallel, a decrease in NO release was detected. These results suggest that blockade of CLIC1 stimulates A, phagocytosis in mononuclear phagocytes while inhibiting the induction of iNOS and further point to CLIC1 as a possible therapeutic target in AD. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Disposition and pharmacokinetics of L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine-5-tetrazole-amide, a selective iNOS inhibitor, in ratsJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 5 2004Ji Y. Zhang Abstract The metabolism, pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and excretion of L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine-5-tetrazole-amide (L-NIL-TA), a selective inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, were investigated in rats. [14C]L-NIL-TA is extensively metabolized after either oral or IV administration with a minor amount (<1%) excreted as the prodrug. L-NIL-TA is metabolized via a single hydrolysis pathway to form the active drug, L-N6-(1-iminoethyl)lysine (L-NIL). The oxidative deamination of 2-amino group of L-NIL forms a 2-keto metabolite (M5), which further loses carbon dioxide to yield a carboxylic acid metabolite (M6). Acetylation of L-NIL and M5 resulted in the formations of metabolites M7 and M4, respectively. Complete recovery of the radioactive dose was achieved after either oral (91.2% in urine and 4.66% in feces) and IV (99.3% in urine and 5.11% in feces) administration. L-NIL-TA-related material was extensively distributed to the tissues, with the highest concentration of radioactivity being found in muscle. Maximal concentration of radioactivity was reached between 0.5 and 1 h post-dose in the majority of tissues, with the exception of muscle and skin where the maximal concentrations were achieved at 8 h post-dose. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 93:1229,1240, 2004 [source] Bis-(3-hydroxyphenyl) diselenide inhibits LPS-stimulated iNOS and COX-2 expression in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells through the NF- kB inactivationJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 4 2009Kyung-Min Shin Abstract Objectives Previously, we reported that diaryl diselenide compounds have strong inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying NO suppression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production by diaryl diselenide compounds, bis-(2-hydroxyphenyl) diselenide (DSE-A), bis-(3-hydroxyphenyl) diselenide (DSE-B), bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) diselenide (DSE-C), dipyridyl diselenide (DSE-D) and diphenyl diselenide (DSE-E). Methods The effect of these compounds on NO suppression and PGE2 production was investigated in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Key findings Our data indicate that of the above, DSE-B most potently inhibits NO and PGE2 production, and that it also significantly reduces the releases of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-,, interleukin(IL)-1, and IL-6. Consistent with these observations, DSE-B also reduced the protein levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the mRNA levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-,, IL-1, and IL-6. Furthermore, DSE-B inhibited LPS-induced nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B) activation, which was associated with the prevention of the inhibitor ,B-, (I,B-,) degradation and a subsequent reduction in nuclear p65 protein levels. Conclusions Taken together, our data suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of DSE-B are due to reduction in the expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-,, IL-1, and IL-6 through the down-regulation of NF-,B binding activity. [source] Eugenosedin-A amelioration of lipopolysaccharide-induced up-regulation of p38 MAPK, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 6 2007Kuo-Ping Shen In this study, we investigate the protective effects of eugenosedin-A on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), inflammatory nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways in a rat model of endotoxin shock. Rats were pretreated with eugenosedin-A, trazodone, yohimbine (1 mg kg,1, i.v.), aminoguanidine or ascorbic acid (15 mg kg,1, i.v.) 30 min before endotoxin challenge. Endotoxaemia was induced by a single i.v. injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg kg,1). In rats not treated with eugenosedin-A, LPS increased plasma concentrations of NO and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and levels of p38 MAPK, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and COX-2 proteins in the liver, lung, aorta and lymphocytes. In the pre-treated rats, eugenosedin-A not only inhibited the LPS-induced NO and PGE2 levels but also attenuated the LPS-induced increase in p38 MAPK and iNOS levels in the liver, aorta and lymphocytes. Eugenosedin-A also reduced LPS-induced COX-2 proteins in the aorta and lymphocytes. Likewise, aminoguanidine, ascorbic acid, yohimbine and trazodone were also found to decrease NO and PGE2 concentrations after endotoxin challenge. While aminoguanidine and ascorbic acid also attenuated the LPS-induced increase in p38 MAPK, iNOS and COX-2 proteins in the aorta and lymphocytes, trazodone and yohimbine inhibited only the increase in p38 MAPK, iNOS and COX-2 proteins in lymphocytes. Finally, eugenosedin-A (10,10 -10,8 M) significantly inhibited the biphasic response induced by hydrogen peroxide (10,6 -3 × 10,5 M) in rat denudated aorta. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that eugenosedin-A, as well as ascorbic acid, can attenuate free-radical-mediated aortic contraction and relaxation. It may therefore be able to reduce the damage caused by septic shock by inhibiting formation of p38 MAPK, iNOS, COX-2 and free radicals. [source] Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is not essential for the development of fibrosis and portal hypertension in bile duct ligated miceLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2005Abraham Koshy Abstract: Background/Aims: It is postulated that nitric oxide (NO) is responsible for the hyperdynamic circulation of portal hypertension. Therefore, we investigated induction of fibrosis and hyperdynamic circulation in endothelial NO synthase knock-out (KO) mice. Methods: Fibrosis was induced by bile duct ligation. Hemodynamic studies were performed after portal vein ligation. All studies were performed in wild-type (WT) and KO mice. Results: Three to 4 weeks after bile duct ligation (BDL), both WT and KO groups had similar degrees of portal hypertension, 12 (9,14) and 11(8,15) mmHg, median (range), and liver function. Fibrosis increased from 0.0% in sham operated to 1.0 and 1.1% in WT and KO mice, respectively. Cardiac output was similar after portal vein ligation (20 and 17 ml/min in WT and KO mice, respectively). There was no difference in liver of mRNA for endothelin 1, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and hem-oxygenase 1 (HO1); proteins of iNOS, HO1 and HO2; nor in endothelin A and B (EtA and EtB) receptor density between WT and KO mice after BDL. Conclusions: These results suggest that endothelial NO synthase is neither essential for the development of fibrosis and portal hypertension in bile duct ligated mice, nor for the hyperdynamic circulation associated with portal hypertension in the portal vein ligated mice. [source] NF-,B involvement in the induction of high affinity CAT-2 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rat lungsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 8 2004C.-J. Huang Background:, Endotoxemia stimulates nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis through induction of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Cellular uptake of l -arginine, the sole substrate for iNOS, is an important mechanism regulating NO biosynthesis by iNOS. The isozymes of type-2 cationic amino acid transporters, including CAT-2, CAT-2A, and CAT-2B, constitute the most important pathways responsible for trans -membrane l -arginine transportation. Therefore, regulation of CAT-2 isozymes expression may constitute one of the downstream regulatory pathways that control iNOS activity. We investigated the time course of enzyme induction and the role of nuclear factor-,B (NF-,B) in CAT-2 isozymes expression in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS) treated rat lungs. Methods:, Adult male Sprague,Dawley rats were randomly given intravenous injections of normal saline (N/S), LPS, LPS plus NF-,B inhibitor pre-treatment (PDTC, dexamethasone, or salicylate), or an NF-,B inhibitor alone. The rats were sacrificed at different times after injection and enzyme expression and lung injury were examined. Pulmonary and systemic NO production were also measured. Results:, LPS co-induced iNOS, CAT-2, and CAT-2B but not CAT-2A expression in the lungs. Furthermore, NF-,B actively participated in LPS-induction of iNOS, CAT-2, and CAT-2B. LPS induced pulmonary and systemic NO overproduction and resulted in lung injuries. Attenuation of LPS-induced iNOS, CAT-2, and CAT-2B induction significantly inhibited NO biosynthesis and lessened lung injury. Conclusion:, NF-,B actively participates in the induction of CAT-2 and CAT-2B in intact animals. Our data further support the idea that CAT-2 and CAT-2B are crucial in regulating iNOS activity. [source] Antiinflammatory activities of flavonoids and a triterpene caffeate isolated from Bauhinia variegataPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 7 2008Yerra Koteswara Rao Abstract In the continuing search for novel antiinflammatory agents, six flavonoids, namely kaempferol (1), ombuin (2), kaempferol 7,4,-dimethyl ether 3- O - , - d -glucopyranoside (3), kaempferol 3- O - , - d -glucopyranoside (4), isorhamnetin 3- O - , - d -glucopyranoside (5) and hesperidin (6), together with one triterpene caffeate, 3, - trans -(3,4-dihydroxycinnamoyloxy)olean-12-en-28-oic acid (7) were isolated from the non-woody aerial parts of Bauhinia variegata. Compounds 1,7 were evaluated as inhibitors of some macrophage functions involved in the inflammatory process. These seven compounds significantly and dose dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon (IFN)- , induced nitric oxide (NO), and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- , and interleukin (IL)-12]. The concentration causing a 50% inhibition (IC50) of NO, TNF- , and IL-12 production by compounds 1, 2 and 7 was approximately 30, 50 and 10 µM, respectively, while at 50, 200 and 40 µM compounds 3, 4, and 5, 6 showed 15,30% inhibition, respectively. On the other hand, compounds 3 and 7 showed no inhibitory effect, while compounds 1, 4,6 reduced by around 10,30% the synthesis of NO by macrophages, when inducible NO synthase was already expressed with LPS/IFN- , for 24 h. These experimental findings lend pharmacological support to the suggested folkloric uses of the plant B. variegata in the management of inflammatory conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Nimbidin suppresses functions of macrophages and neutrophils: relevance to its antiin,ammatory mechanismsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 5 2004Gurpreet Kaur Abstract Nimbidin is a mixture of tetranortriterpenes and is the major active principle of the seed oil of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae) possessing potent antiin,ammatory and antiarthritic activities. The present study revealed that nimbidin signi,cantly inhibited some of the functions of macrophages and neutrophils relevant to the in,ammatory response following both in vivo and in vitro exposure. Oral administration of 5,25 mg/kg nimbidin to rats for 3 consecutive days signi,cantly inhibited the migration of macrophages to their peritoneal cavities in response to in,ammatory stimuli and also inhibited phagocytosis and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) stimulated respiratory burst in these cells. In vitro exposure of rat peritoneal macrophages to nimbidin also inhibited phagocytosis and PMA stimulated respiratory burst in these cells. Nimbidin also inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages following in vitro exposure, whereas interleukin 1 (IL-1) was only weakly inhibited. Probing the mechanism of NO inhibition revealed that nimbidin ameliorated the induction of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) without any inhibition in its catalytic activity. In addition, nimbidin also attenuated degranulation in neutrophils assessed in terms of release of , -glucuronidase, myeloperoxidase and lysozyme. The results suggest that nimbidin suppresses the functions of macrophages and neutrophils relevant to in,ammation. Thus nimbidin can be valuable in treating in,ammation/in,ammatory diseases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Nitric Oxide and the Paranasal SinusesTHE ANATOMICAL RECORD : ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 11 2008Jon O. Lundberg Abstract The discovery within the paranasal sinuses for the production of nitric oxide (NO) has altered the traditional explanations of sinus physiology. This review article reports the ongoing investigation of sinus physiology beginning with the discovery of NO gas production in the paranasal sinuses that occurred in 1995, and the impact that finding has had both in the basic science and clinical arenas. It was shown that healthy paranasal sinus epithelium expresses an inducible NO synthase that continuously generates large amounts of NO, a pluripotent gaseous messenger with potent vasodilating, and antimicrobial activity. This NO can be measured noninvasively in nasally exhaled breath. The role of NO in the sinuses is likely to enhance local host defense mechanisms via direct inhibition of pathogen growth and stimulation of mucociliary activity. The NO concentration in a healthy sinus exceeds those that are needed for antibacterial effects in vitro. In patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and in cystic fibrosis, nasal NO is extremely low. This defect NO generation likely contributes to the great susceptibility to chronic sinusitis in these patients. In addition, the low-nasal NO is of diagnostic value especially in PCD, where nasal NO is very low or absent. Intriguingly, NO gas from the nose and sinuses is inhaled with every breath and reaches the lungs in a more diluted form to enhance pulmonary oxygen uptake via local vasodilation. In this sense NO may be regarded as an "aerocrine" hormone that is produced in the nose and sinuses and transported to a distal site of action with every inhalation. Anat Rec, 291:1479,1484, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Generation of NO by Bystander Human CD8 T Cells Augments Allogeneic Responses by Inhibiting Cytokine Deprivation-Induced Cell DeathAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 10 2009J. C. Choy Nitric oxide (NO), generated by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in bystander human CD8 T cells, augments the accumulation of allogeneically activated human CD8 T cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that iNOS-derived NO does not affect T-cell proliferation but rather inhibits cell death of activated human CD8 T cells after activation by allogeneic endothelial cells in culture. Exogenous NO did not affect activation-induced cell death of human CD8 T cells but specifically reduced death of activated T cells due to cytokine deprivation. NO-mediated inhibition of T-cell death did not involve cGMP signaling, and NO did not affect the expression of Bcl-2-related proteins known to regulate cytokine deprivation-induced cell death. However, NO inhibited the activity of caspases activated as a consequence of cytokine deprivation in activated T cells. This protective effect correlated with S-nitrosylation of caspases and was phenocopied by z-VAD.fmk and z-LEHD.fmk, pharmacological inhibitors of caspases. In summary, our findings indicate that NO augments the accumulation of activated human T cells principally by inhibiting cytokine deprivation-induced cell death through S-nitrosylation of caspases. [source] Endotoxin-Induced Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Inhibit Alloimmune Responses via Heme Oxygenase-1AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 9 2009V. De Wilde Inflammation and cancer are associated with impairment of T-cell responses by a heterogeneous population of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) coexpressing CD11b and GR-1 antigens. MDSCs have been recently implicated in costimulation blockade-induced transplantation tolerance in rats, which was under the control of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Herein, we describe CD11b+GR-1+MDSC-compatible cells appearing after repetitive injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using a unique mechanism of suppression. These cells suppressed T-cell proliferation and Th1 and Th2 cytokine production in both mixed lymphocyte reaction and polyclonal stimulation assays. Transfer of CD11b+ cells from LPS-treated mice in untreated recipients significantly prolonged skin allograft survival. They produced large amounts of IL-10 and expressed heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a stress-responsive enzyme endowed with immunoregulatory and cytoprotective properties not previously associated with MDSC activity. HO-1 inhibition by the specific inhibitor, SnPP, completely abolished T-cell suppression and IL-10 production. In contrast, neither iNOS nor arginase 1 inhibition did affect suppression. Importantly, HO-1 inhibition before CD11b+ cell transfer prevented the delay of allograft rejection revealing a new MDSC-associated suppressor mechanism relevant for transplantation. [source] Novel role of curcumin in the prevention of cytokine-induced islet death in vitro and diabetogenesis in vivoBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2008M Kanitkar Background and purpose: Oxidative stress caused by cytokine exposure is a major cause of pancreatic islet death in vitro and of diabetogenesis. Antioxidant compounds may prevent cytokine-induced damage to islet cells. Hence, we studied the potential of curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, in vitro to protect islets against pro-inflammatory cytokines and in vivo to prevent the progression of diabetes induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ). Experimental approach: Pancreatic islets from C57/BL6J mice were pretreated with curcumin (10 ,M) and then exposed to a combination of cytokines. Islet viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, inducible NO synthase and NF-,B translocation were studied. Curcumin pretreated (7.5 mg kg,1 day,1) C57/BL6J mice were given MLD-STZ (40 mg kg,1), and various parameters of diabetes induction and progression were monitored. Key results: Curcumin protected islets from cytokine-induced islet death in vitro by scavenging ROS and normalized cytokine-induced NF-,B translocation by inhibiting phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha (I,B,). In vivo, curcumin also prevented MLD-STZ, as revealed by sustained normoglycaemia, normal glucose clearance and maintained pancreatic GLUT2 levels. Pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the serum and pancreas were raised in STZ-treated animals, but not in animals pretreated with curcumin before STZ. Conclusions and implications: Here, we have demonstrated for the first time that curcumin in vitro protects pancreatic islets against cytokine-induced death and dysfunction and in vivo prevents STZ-induced diabetes. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 702,713; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.311; published online 11 August 2008 [source] Gender-specific vascular effects elicited by chronic ethanol consumption in rats: a role for inducible nitric oxide synthaseBRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 3 2008C R Tirapelli Background and purpose: Epidemiological data suggest that the risk of ethanol-associated cardiovascular disease is greater in men than in women. This study investigates the mechanisms underlying gender-specific vascular effects elicited by chronic ethanol consumption in rats. Experimental approach: Vascular reactivity experiments using standard muscle bath procedures were performed on isolated thoracic aortae from rats. mRNA and protein for inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and for endothelial NOS (eNOS) was assessed by RT-PCR or western blotting, respectively. Key results: In male rats, chronic ethanol consumption enhanced phenylephrine-induced contraction in both endothelium-intact and denuded aortic rings. However, in female rats, chronic ethanol consumption enhanced phenylephrine-induced contraction only in endothelium denuded aortic rings. After pre-incubation of endothelium-intact rings with L -NAME, both male and female ethanol-treated rats showed larger phenylephrine-induced contractions in aortic rings, compared to the control group. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation was not affected by ethanol consumption. The effects of ethanol on responses to phenylephrine were similar in ovariectomized (OVX) and intact (non-OVX) female rats. In the presence of aminoguanidine, but not 7-nitroindazole, the contractions to phenylephrine in rings from ethanol-treated female rats were greater than that found in control tissues in the presence of the inhibitors. mRNA levels for eNOS and iNOS were not altered by ethanol consumption. Ethanol intake reduced eNOS protein levels and increased iNOS protein levels in aorta from female rats. Conclusions and implications: Gender differences in the vascular effects elicited by chronic ethanol consumption were not related to ovarian hormones but seemed to involve the upregulation of iNOS. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 468,479; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707589; published online 26 November 2007 [source] Endothelin-1-mediated coronary vasoconstriction deteriorates myocardial depression in hearts isolated from lipopolysaccharide,treated rats: Interaction with nitric oxideCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2004Jie Tu Summary 1.,The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of disturbance of coronary perfusion to myocardial depression in hearts isolated from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats and to investigate the involvement of endothelin (ET)-1 and nitric oxide (NO). 2.,Rats were treated with LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and, 4 h later, plasma ET-1 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay and hearts were excised for perfusion at a constant perfusion flow. The selective ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123, in the absence or presence of aminoguanidine, a specific inhibitor of inducible NO synthase, was given 15 min before LPS challenge. Coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) and measures of myocardial contractile function were recorded. 3.,In hearts isolated from LPS-treated rats, there was a marked increase in CPP that was abolished by pretreatment with BQ-123. In parallel, an increase in plasma ET-1 concentrations was seen in these rats. Lipopolysaccharide also induced decreases in left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), the product of LVDP and heart rate and maximal rate of rise/fall of left ventricular pressure (+/, dP/dtmax). Single treatment with BQ-123 or aminoguanidine attenuated LPS-induced myocardial depression. However, when these two drugs were given simultaneously, myocardial depression elicited by LPS was blocked significantly. 4.,Endothelin-1-mediated coronary vasoconstriction, together with NO, contributes to myocardial depression in hearts isolated from LPS-treated rats. [source] The Lung Is The Major Site That Produces Nitric Oxide To Induce Acute Pulmonary Oedema In Endotoxin ShockCLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2001Ru Ping Lee SUMMARY 1. The present study was undertaken to determine the locus of nitric oxide (NO) production that is toxic to the lung and produces acute pulmonary oedema in endotoxin shock, to examine and compare the effects of changes in lung perfusate on endotoxin-induced pulmonary oedema (EPE) and to evaluate the involvement of constitutive and inducible NO synthase (cNOS and iNOS, respectively). 2. Experiments were designed to induce septic shock in anaesthetized rats with the administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Exhaled NO, lung weight (LW)/bodyweight (BW) ratio, LW gain (LWG) and lung histology were measured and observed to determine the degree of EPE 4 h following LPS. The EPE was compared between groups in which LPS had been injected either into the systemic circulation or into the isolated perfused lung. The lung perfusate was altered from whole blood to physiological saline solution (PSS) with 6% albumin to test whether different lung perfusions affected EPE. Pretreatment with various NOS inhibitors was undertaken 10 min before LPS to investigate the contribution of cNOS and iNOS to the observed effects. 3. Endotoxin caused profound systemic hypotension, but little change in pulmonary arterial pressure. The extent of EPE was not different between that induced by systemic injection and that following administration to isolated lungs preparations. Replacement of whole blood with PSS greatly attenuated (P < 0.05) EPE. In blood-perfused lungs, pretreatment with NOS inhibitors, such as N, -nitro- L -arginine methyl ester, aminoguanidine and dexamethasone, significantly prevented EPE (P < 0.05). 4. The major site of NO production through the whole blood is in the lung. The NO production mediated by the iNOS system is toxic to the endothelium in the pulmonary microvasculature. Inhalation of NO for patients with sepsis may be used with clinical caution. Therapeutic consideration of lung extracorporeal perfusion with PSS and pharmacological pretreatment with iNOS inhibitors may be warranted. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||