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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
Published on: March 16, 2017
Nitric oxide production and nitric oxide synthase type 2 expression by cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) macrophages
Mary Carsillo1, Vijay Kumar Kutala, Karen Puschel
1Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, 1925 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Abstract:
Our knowledge of the antibacterial role of nitric oxide (NO) during infection is based on studies of murine macrophages, which secrete large amounts of NO. In contrast, human macrophages produce very little NO and its relevance as an antibacterial mediator during infection of humans is uncertain. We have defined bone marrow-derived macrophages from cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus). These macrophages display phenotypical and functional characteristics similar to other rodent and human macrophages. The most interesting finding was the low level of NO production which is in contrast to findings for murine macrophages, but consistent with those of humans. In spite of these low levels, inhibition of NO production led to a decrease in killing of bacteria. Cotton rats are highly susceptible to a variety of human pathogens and therefore offer a rodent model of infectious diseases with similar characteristics to humans in terms of NO production.
Insights
Cotton rat macrophages produce low nitric oxide (NO) levels, similar to humans. Despite this, inhibiting NO reduced bacterial killing, highlighting its antibacterial role in this human-relevant model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is known for its antibacterial role, primarily studied in murine macrophages.
- Human macrophages produce minimal NO, making its significance in human infections uncertain.
- Murine models may not accurately reflect human immune responses to pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibacterial role of nitric oxide (NO) in cotton rat macrophages.
- To establish a rodent model that mimics human macrophage NO production for infection studies.
- To determine if low-level NO production is crucial for bacterial clearance in a human-relevant model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bone marrow-derived macrophages from cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus).
- Assessment of NO production levels in cotton rat macrophages.
- Evaluation of bacterial killing by cotton rat macrophages with and without NO production inhibition.
Main Results:
- Cotton rat macrophages exhibited low nitric oxide (NO) production, mirroring human macrophages.
- These macrophages shared phenotypical and functional similarities with other rodent and human macrophages.
- Inhibition of NO production in cotton rat macrophages resulted in decreased bacterial killing capacity.
Conclusions:
- Cotton rats provide a valuable model for studying infectious diseases relevant to humans due to similar macrophage NO production.
- Low-level nitric oxide (NO) production plays a significant antibacterial role, even in models with limited secretion.
- This study underscores the importance of NO in host defense against bacterial pathogens in a human-like context.
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