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Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in human cerebral infarcts
C Forster1, H B Clark, M E Ross
1Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Acta Neuropathologica
|March 25, 1999
Summary
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is found in human brain cells after ischemic stroke. This enzyme produces nitric oxide (NO), suggesting iNOS inhibitors could treat stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces nitric oxide (NO) during inflammation.
- iNOS is implicated in ischemic brain injury in animal models.
- Its role in human ischemic stroke is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of iNOS in the human brain following ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used on autopsy brains with acute cerebral infarction.
- iNOS and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity were assessed.
Main Results:
- iNOS was detected in neutrophils and blood vessels within the human ischemic infarct region.
- iNOS-positive cells also showed nitrotyrosine, indicating NO-derived peroxynitrite.
- No iNOS or nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity was found outside the infarct area.
Conclusions:
- iNOS is expressed in the human brain after ischemic infarction.
- These findings support the potential therapeutic use of iNOS inhibitors for human ischemic stroke.