Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Novel Whole-tissue Quantitative Assay of Nitric Oxide Levels in Drosophila Neuroinflammatory Response
Published on: December 5, 2013
Inducible nitric oxide synthase gene expression in the brain during systemic inflammation
M L Wong1, V Rettori, A al-Shekhlee
1Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch, National Institutes of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1284, USA.
Systemic inflammation induces inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the brain, producing nitric oxide (NO). Nitrite in cerebrospinal fluid may serve as a diagnostic marker for sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays a critical role in systemic inflammation and sepsis pathophysiology.
- While peripheral iNOS regulation is understood in sepsis, its brain regulation remains unclear.
- Baseline iNOS gene expression is undetectable in the brain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate iNOS regulation in the brain during systemic inflammation and sepsis.
- To explore the potential of brain iNOS metabolites as diagnostic markers.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting brain iNOS in sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Neuroanatomical study of iNOS messenger RNA (mRNA) induction in rat brain.
- Measurement of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites in brain parenchyma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Main Results:
- Profound induction of iNOS mRNA observed in brain vascular, glial, and neuronal structures early in systemic inflammation.
- Detection of NO metabolites in brain parenchyma and CSF.
- Identification of nitrite spillover into CSF as a potential diagnostic indicator.
Conclusions:
- Systemic inflammation triggers significant iNOS induction in the brain.
- Cerebrospinal fluid nitrite levels show potential as a diagnostic marker for systemic inflammation and sepsis.
- Targeting brain iNOS offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for sepsis.
More Related Videos
08:32Application 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
09:12Assessing Cellular Stress and Inflammation in Discrete Oxytocin-secreting Brain Nuclei in the Neonatal Rat Before and After First Colostrum Feeding
Published on: November 14, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation: Introduction
Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute Inflammation II: Local and Systemic Effects