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Inducible nitric oxide synthase in glial cells
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Neuroscience Research
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Glial cells produce nitric oxide (NO) via inducible NO synthase (iNOS). This review explores iNOS induction in glial cells and its role in brain injury and neurodegeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Nitric oxide (NO) is implicated in synaptic plasticity and neuronal death.
- Two main types of NO synthase exist: constitutive (cNOS) and inducible (iNOS).
- While neuronal cNOS is well-characterized, the brain's iNOS function remains unclear, particularly its role in neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on inducible NO synthase (iNOS) characteristics in glial cells.
- To elucidate the induction mechanisms of iNOS in the brain.
- To discuss the potential pathophysiological roles of glial iNOS in neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on iNOS in glial cells.
- Analysis of studies investigating iNOS induction by endotoxin and cytokines in rat brain glial cells.
Main Results:
- Glial cells, including microglia and reactive astrocytes, can produce NO.
- Stimuli like lipopolysaccharide and cytokines effectively induce iNOS expression in rat brain glial cells.
- Accumulation of glial cells at neurodegenerative sites suggests a link between glial NO production and neuronal injury.
Conclusions:
- Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is present and inducible in brain glial cells.
- Glial iNOS activation may contribute to neuronal injury and neurodegenerative processes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex role of glial iNOS in brain pathophysiology.