Inducible nitric oxide synthase in chronic active multiple sclerosis plaques: distribution, cellular expression and association with myelin damage

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is an enzyme that produces nitric oxide (NO) and is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The extent of iNOS expression was examined using laser scanning confocal microscopy of 13 chronic active plaques from seven MS patients displaying both acute demyelination and active inflammation. iNOS expression in these plaques was substantial and diverse in cellular distribution. Expression of iNOS was observed in ependymal cells located in periventricular lesions, inflammatory cells, and occasionally in astrocytes. iNOS was found in microglial/macrophage cells that expressed CD64, the high affinity Fc gamma receptor associated with cells that have phagocytic function and participate in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Scavenger microglial/macrophage cells that expressed the marker CD14 were also present and may express iNOS. The markers for myelin damage, nitrotyrosine (an index of iNOS mediated damage via peroxynitrite formation), along with MBP fragments, were also observed associated with iNOS in MS plaques. Together, these findings support a central role for iNOS in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.     

Nitric oxide synthase activity in human pituitary adenomas

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to examine human pituitary adenomas for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity by immunohistochemical and enzymatic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adenomatous tissue from 16 patients were obtained during operation and stained immunohistochemically for hormone production and for the three NOS isoenzymes. Cell types that expressed NOS immunoreactivity (IR) were identified, and the NOS isoform was noted. NOS activity was measured enzymatically by the conversion of L-arginine to L-citrulline in tissue samples. RESULTS: Endothelial cells of pituitary adenomas showed increase of eNOS IR compared with control tissue. The nNOS and iNOS IR were the same in adenomas and controls. There was no correlation between NOS IR and NOS activity measured enzymatically and the endocrine activity of the tumour or other clinical variables. CONCLUSION: The observation of increased eNOS IR in endothelial cells of adenomas may suggest that NO plays a role in the regulation of blood flow in pituitary adenomas.     

Contrasting potential of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite to mediate oligodendrocyte injury in multiple sclerosis

Nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) are potential mediators of the injury and cytotoxicity occurring over time to oligodendrocytes in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. Our in vitro results indicate that human adult CNS-derived oligodendrocytes are relatively resistant to NO-mediated damage. In contrast, human oligodendrocytes are highly susceptible to peroxynitrite-mediated injury. In situ, we found that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was expressed in astrocytes and macrophages in all active demyelinating and remyelinating MS lesions examined, yet no correlation was found between numbers of glial cells expressing iNOS and the extent of oligodendrocyte cell death. Nitrotyrosine groups, indicative of the presence of peroxynitrite in vivo, could be detected on astrocytes, macrophages, and oligodendrocytes in MS lesions. High numbers of nitrotyrosine-positive oligodendrocytes were found in one MS case that featured extensive oligodendrocyte cell death. Our results indicate that NO alone is unlikely to induce oligodendrocyte injury, whereas its more potent byproduct peroxynitrite is a potential mediator of injury to oligodendrocytes in MS.     

Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in the rat is inhibited by aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase

This study assessed the role of de novo nitric oxide (NO) production in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) by using aminoguanidine (AG), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). which preferentially inhibits the cytokine- and endotoxin-inducible isoform of NOS versus the constitutive isoforms consisting of endothelial and neuronal NOS. The maximum clinical severity of EAE and the duration of illness were significantly reduced or totally inhibited by twice daily subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/kg body weight AG. Histochemical staining for NADPH diaphorase, which detects enzymatic activity of NOS, revealed positive reactivity in untreated EAE rats both in parenchymal blood vessel walls and in anterior horn cell neurons, while normal rats and rats with EAE treated with AG showed predominantly the neuronal positivity. Moreover, this NADPH staining pattern was further supported by the immunohistochemical findings that endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression was increased in blood vessels in the inflamed lesions of untreated EAE rats and that inducible NOS (iNOS) was detected in some infiltrating inflammatory cells, while treatment with AG could significantly reduce both iNOS and eNOS production. These results suggest that: (i) both iNOS and eNOS are upregulated in inflamed areas of the rat central nervous system in EAE; (ii) increased NO production plays a role in the development of clinical signs in EAE; and (iii) selective inhibitors of iNOS and/or eNOS may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.     

Aberrant expression of NOS isoforms in Alzheimer's disease is structurally related to nitrotyrosine formation

Various isoforms of the nitric oxide (NO) producing enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) are elevated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) indicating a critical role for NO in the pathomechanism. NO can react with superoxide to generate peroxynitrite, a process referred to as oxidative stress, which is likely to play a role in AD. Peroxynitrite in turn, nitrates tyrosine residues to form nitrotyrosine which can be identified immunohistochemically. To study the potential structural link between the increased synthesis of NO and the deposition of nitrotyrosine in AD, we analyzed the expression of neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in AD and control brain, and compared the localization with the distribution of nitrotyrosine. Nitrotyrosine was detected in neurons, astrocytes and blood vessels in AD cases. Aberrant expression of nNOS in cortical pyramidal cells was highly co-localized with nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, iNOS and eNOS were highly expressed in astrocytes in AD. In addition, double immunolabeling studies revealed that in these glial cells iNOS and eNOS are co-localized with nitrotyrosine. Therefore, it is suggested that increased expression of all NOS isoforms in astrocytes and neurons contributes to the synthesis of peroxynitrite which leads to generation of nitrotyrosine. In view of the wide range of isoform-specific NOS inhibitors, the determination of the most responsible isoform of NOS for the formation of peroxynitrite in AD could be of therapeutic importance in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.     

Spontaneous sleep in mice with targeted disruptions of neuronal or inducible nitric oxide synthase genes

Nitric oxide (NO) affects almost every physiological process, including the regulation of sleep. There is strong evidence that NO plays an important role in rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) regulation. To further investigate the role of NO in sleep, we characterized spontaneous sleep in mice with targeted disruptions (knockout; KO) in the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) or inducible (i)NOS genes. REMS in nNOS KO mice was substantially lower than that of their control mice. In contrast, the iNOS KO mice had significantly more REMS than their controls. Inducible NOS KO mice also had less non-REMS (NREMS) during the dark period. Results suggest that nNOS and iNOS play opposite roles in REMS regulation.     

Modulation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes function by nitric oxide

Recognition of the endothelium-derived relaxation factor as nitric oxide (NO) gave rise to an impression that NO was synthesised only by the endothelial lining of the vessel wall. Later it was found that NO is synthesized constitutively by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in various cells. However, inflammatory cytokines can induce NOS (known as inducible NOS [iNOS]) activity in all the somatic cells. Blood cells, such as eosinophils, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, also synthesize NO. Among them, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) constitute an important proportion and are also the major participants in a number of pathological conditions with suggestive involvement of NO. PMNs can synthesize NO at rates similar to endothelial cells, thus suggesting the importance of PMN-derived NO in various physiological and pathological conditions. Most of the studies so far focus on the peripheral PMNs, while studies on PMNs after emigration are limited, thus warranting systematic studies on PMNs from both sources. The role of the endothelial NOS (eNOS) and functions of NO derived from the endothelial cells has been studied extensively. However, understanding of the PMNs NOS and its regulatory role in their function is unraveling. The present review summarizes the modulatory role of NO on PMNs functions and points out the discrepancies relating to presence of NOS in PMNs. This information will be helpful in understanding the importance of NO in physiological and pathological conditions associated with PMNs.     

一氧化氮合酶活性与抑郁症的相关性

目的通过对抑郁症患者一氧化氮合酶（NOS）活性进行检测，从而研究和探讨一氧化氮合酶、一氧化氮（NO）与抑郁症之间的关系。方法采用分光光度法检测抑郁症患者治疗前后的一氧化氮合酶NOS及其亚型（结构型cNOS、诱导型iNOS）的活性，并与正常对照组比较。结果抑郁症组的NOS、cNOS活性显著低于正常对照组；治疗组的NOS、cNOS活性高于抑郁症（无显著性），但治疗后缓解组的NOS、cNOS活性均显著高于治疗前。各组iNOS的活性无显著差异。结论抑郁症病人的NOS活性下降，而且主要是结构型cNOS活性下降，经治疗缓解后有所提高。因此，NOS和NO很有可能在抑郁症的发病过程中起着重要作用。     

Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition Delays Axonal Degeneration and Promotes the Survival of Axotomized Retinal Ganglion Cells

Nitric oxide (NO) synthesized by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been implicated in neuronal cytotoxicity following trauma to the central nervous system. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of NO in mediating axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. We observed increases in iNOS expression by microglia and Müller cells in the retina after optic nerve transection. This was paralleled by the induced expression of constitutive NOS (cNOS) in RGCs which do not normally express this enzyme. In order to determine if NO is cytotoxic to axotomized RGCs, the nonspecific NOS inhibitors Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (NOLA) or N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were delivered to the vitreous chamber by intraocular injections. Both NOLA and L-NAME significantly enhanced RGC survival at 7, 10, and 14 days postaxotomy. The separate contributions of iNOS and cNOS to RGC degeneration were examined with intraocular injections of the specific iNOS inhibitor L-N(6)-(I-iminoethyl)lysine hydrochloride or the specific cNOS inhibitor L-thiocitrulline. Our results suggest that cNOS plays a greater role in RGC degeneration than iNOS. In addition to enhancing RGC survival, NOS inhibitors delayed the retrograde degeneration of RGC axons after axotomy. We conclude that NO synthesized by retinal iNOS and cNOS plays a major role in RGC death and retrograde axonal degeneration following axotomy.     

The production of nitric oxide in EL4 lymphoma cells overexpressing growth hormone

Growth hormone (GH) is produced by immunocompetent cells and has been implicated in the regulation of a multiplicity of functions in the immune system involved in growth and activation. However, the actions of endogenous or lymphocyte GH and its contribution to immune reactivity when compared with those of serum or exogenous GH are still unclear. In the present study, we overexpressed lymphocyte GH in EL4 lymphoma cells, which lack the GH receptor (GHR), to determine the role of endogenous GH in nitric oxide (NO) production and response to genotoxic stress. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the levels of GH increased approximately 40% in cells overexpressing GH (GHo) when compared with cells with vector alone. The results also show a substantial increase in NO production in cells overexpressing GH that could be blocked by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an L-arginine analogue that competitively inhibits all three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). No evidence was obtained to support an increase in peroxynitrite in cells overexpressing GH. Overexpression of GH increased NOS activity, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) promoter activity, and iNOS protein expression, whereas endothelial nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase protein levels were essentially unchanged. In addition, cells overexpressing GH showed increased arginine transport ability and intracellular arginase activity when compared with control cells. GH overexpression appeared to protect cells from the toxic effects of the DNA alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate. This possibility was suggested by maintenance of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential in cells overexpressing GH when compared with control cells that could be blocked by L-NMMA. Taken together, the data support the notion that lymphocyte GH, independently of the GH receptor, may play a key role in the survival of lymphocytes exposed to stressful stimuli via the production of NO.     

Specific pattern of nitric oxide synthase expression in glial cells after hippocampal injury

In the central nervous system (CNS), nitric oxide (NO) is thought to be involved in a variety of functions including synaptic plasticity, long term potentiation, and neurotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the mouse CNS, following surgical injury to the hippocampus. NOS expression was assessed by histochemical detection of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-diaphorase) activity and immunohistochemistry of the inducible NOS (iNOS). Two days after injury to the CA1 hippocampal field, NADPH-diaphorase activity was detected in pyramidal and granular neurons and also in glial cells in the hippocampus, in contrast to the non-injured one where NADPH-diaphorase staining was observed only in a few interneurons. NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry combined with immunolabelling for GFAP and F4/80 demonstrated that these glial cells were astrocytes and microglia. This pattern of NOS expression is induced specifically after a hippocampal injury since lesion to the prefrontal or cerebellar cortex leads to NOS activity only in monocytes/macrophages like cells. Despite the large expression of NOS detected by NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry after lesioning the hippocampus, immunostaining for iNOS was confined to microglia. The fact that induction of high levels of NOS activity are detected in glial cells after a lesion to the hippocampus could be accounted for by the sensitivity of this structure to a high release of glutamate. GLIA 22:329–337, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Local nitric oxide synthase activity in a model of neuropathic pain

A local inflammatory reaction may play an important role in the development of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. One important participant in the inflammatory response of injured peripheral nerve may be nitric oxide (NO). In this work, we examined physiological and morphological evidence for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in rats. Physiological evidence of local NO action was provided by studying NO-mediated changes in local blood flow associated with the injury site. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize isoforms of NOS that might generate NO. Sciatic nerve injury associated with behavioural evidence of neuropathic pain had substantial rises in local blood flow. The NOS inhibitor N^G-nitro-l -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), but not N^G-nitro-d -arginine methyl ester (D-NAME), reversed the hyperaemia in a dose-dependent fashion proximal to the constriction at 48 h and distally at 14 days post-operation when applied systemically or topically. Aminoguanidine, a NOS inhibitor with relatively greater selectivity for the inducible NOS (iNOS) isoform, reversed nerve hyperaemia distal to the constriction only at 14 days. NOS-like immunoreactivity of the neuronal and endothelial isoforms was identified just proximal to the constriction at 48 h. iNOS-like immunoreactivity was observed at 7 and 14 days at the constriction and distal sites, respectively. This work provides evidence for local NOS expression and NO action in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain. NO has local physiological actions that include vasodilatation of microvessels and that may be important in the development of pain sensitivity.     

Investigation of an inducible nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS2A) polymorphism in a multiple sclerosis population

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting most commonly the Caucasian population. Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological signaling and effector molecule and is especially important during inflammation. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is one of the three enzymes responsible for generating NO. It has been reported that there is an excessive production of NO in MS concordant with an increased expression of iNOS in MS lesions. This study investigated the role of a bi-allelic tetranucleotide polymorphism located in the promoter region of the human iNOS (NOS2A) gene in MS susceptibility. A group of MS patients (n = 101) were genotyped and compared to an age- and sex-matched group of healthy controls (n = 101). The MS group was subdivided into three subtypes, namely relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS), secondary-progressive MS (SP-MS) and primary-progressive MS (PP-MS). Results of a chi-squared analysis and a Fisher's exact test revealed that allele and genotype distributions between cases and controls were not significantly different for the total population (chi(2) = 3.4, P(genotype) = 0.15; chi(2) = 3.4, P(allele) = 0.082) and for each subtype of MS (P > 0.05). This suggests that there is no direct association of this iNOS gene variant with MS susceptibility.     

Neuronal and glial coexpression of argininosuccinate synthetase and inducible nitric oxide synthase in Alzheimer disease

The enzyme argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) is the rate limiting enzyme in the metabolic pathway leading from L-citrulline to L-arginine, the physiological substrate of all isoforms of nitric oxide synthases (NOS). ASS and inducible NOS (iNOS) expression in neurons and glia was investigated by immunohistochemistry in brains of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and nondemented, age-matched controls. In 3 areas examined (hippocampus, frontal, and entorhinal cortex), a marked increase in neuronal ASS and iNOS expression was observed in AD brains. GFAP-positive astrocytes expressing ASS were not increased in AD brains versus controls, whereas the number of iNOS expressing GFAP-positive astrocytes was significantly higher in AD brains. Density measurements revealed that ASS expression levels were significantly higher in glial cells of AD brains. Colocalization of ASS and iNOS immunoreactivity was detectable in neurons and glia. Occasionally, both ASS-and iNOS expression was detectable in CD 68-positive activated microglia cells in close proximity to senile plaques. These results suggest that neurons and astrocytes express ASS in human brain constitutively, whereas neuronal and glial ASS expression increases parallel to iNOS expression in AD. Because an adequate supply of L-arginine is indispensable for prolonged NO generation, coinduction of ASS enables cells to sustain NO generation during AD by replenishing necessary supply of L-arginine.     

Nitric oxide synthase expression of oligodendrogliomas.

In the central nervous system, nitric oxide (NO) has a variety of biological functions including vasorelaxation and neurotransmission. The synthesis of NO is catalyzed by NO synthases (NOS) existing in 3 isoforms, neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial NOS (eNOS). NO synthase has implications in the pathophysiology of primary glial brain tumors with enhanced expression of nNOS and eNOS in high-grade astrocytic tumors, WHO grades III and IV. Only minor groups of pure oligodendrogliomas have been investigated. The aim of the investigation was to study the expression of the 3 NOS isoforms in this genetically divergent group of primary gliomas and to correlate the findings with tumor grade and expression pattern for the major group of gliomas--the astrocytomas. We examined the NOS expression in 35 oligodendrogliomas, WHO grade II, and 7 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, WHO grade III, by immunohistochemical methods using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material. We observed only a minor expression of nNOS and sparse expression of eNOS in the tumor cells, but a vivid expression of eNOS in the vascular endothelial cells in both the tumor and the surrounding tissue. The rich expression of eNOS in oligodendroglioma vessels independent of tumor grade may suggest that blood flow and angiogenesis in these richly vascularized tumors are modified by NO. Interestingly, enhanced expression of inducible NOS was observed in the oligodendroglial tumor cells in 19 of 35 oligodendrogliomas (54%) and in 2 of 7 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (29%). This is diverging for iNOS expression in astroglial tumors and the data could be indicative of iNOS exerting anti-tumor activity which may protract the progression from low-grade oligodendrogliomas to more anaplastic types.     

Phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein: a consequence of nitric oxide- and cGMP-mediated signal transduction in brain capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes

There is contradictory information on the relevance of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP for the function of brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) forming the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, NO/cGMP-mediated signal transduction was investigated in cell cultures of BCEC and of astrocytes (AC) inducing BBB properties in BCEC. Constitutive, Ca2+-activated isoforms of NO synthase (NOS) were found in BCEC (endothelial NOS: eNOS) and in AC (neuronal NOS: nNOS), leading to increased NO release after incubation with the Ca2+-ionophore A23187. Both cell types expressed inducible NOS (iNOS) after incubation with cytokines. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) was detected in both cell types. NO-dependent cGMP formation were observed in BCEC and, less pronounced, in AC. Furthermore, both cell types formed cGMP independently of NO via stimulation of particulate guanylate cyclase (pGC). cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) type Ibeta, but not type II, was expressed in BCEC and AC. In BCEC, vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) was detected, an established substrate of PKG and associated with microfilaments and cell-cell contacts. Phosphorylation of VASP was intensified by increased intracellular cGMP concentrations. The results indicate that BCEC and, to a smaller degree, AC can form NO and cGMP in response to different stimuli. In BCEC, NO/cGMP-dependent phosphorylation of VASP is demonstrated, thus providing a possibility of influencing cell-cell contacts.     

脑缺血后脑组织NO含量和NOS活性变化及三七总皂甙的影响

为了探讨一氧化氮 (NO)在缺血神经元坏死中的作用机制及三七总皂甙 (PNS)是否通过影响NO的变化而起脑保护作用。　　方法　用栓线法建立大鼠局灶性脑缺血模型 ,测定脑缺血后不同时间脑组织NO含量和一氧化氮合成酶 (NOS)活性变化及PNS对其的影响。　　结果　缺血后 3 0分钟脑组织NO含量和NOS活性均显著升高 (P <0 0 1 ) ,而PNS能防止脑缺血后两者的升高。NO含量与NOS活性呈显著正相关。　　结论　NO在缺血神经元损伤中起重要作用 ,PNS是通过降低NO的含量而起保护脑组织作用     

Expression and distribution of the nitric oxide synthases in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies

Different immune effector mechanisms have been characterised in the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM): in polymyositis (PM) and sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity targets nonnecrotic muscle fibres, whereas in dermatomyositis (DM) the complement-mediated immune response is directed against the microvasculature. As nitric oxide (NO) has an important function in cell signalling and in the cytotoxicity displayed by activated macrophages, it is potentially involved in the immunopathogenesis of IIM. Using immunohistochemical, in situ hybridisation and Western blotting techniques, we visualised the three isoforms of NO synthase (NOS) in muscle tissues from normal controls and from patients diagnosed with IIM. The levels of both constitutive isoforms of NOS (endothelial, i.e., eNOS, and neuronal, i.e., nNOS) were unchanged in IIM as compared with normal muscle. Both protein and mRNA of the inducible form (iNOS) were detected in half of the control biopsies. Constant and increased iNOS protein expression was found in endomysial infiltrates of PM and sIBM, whereas perimysial inflammatory cells in DM were largely negative. We developed a quantitative Western blotting protocol which confirmed the constitutive nature of nNOS and eNOS and the significant induction of iNOS in PM. Our results appoint iNOS with a dual function: a limited and transient role in normal muscle physiology and an active cytotoxic role in PM and sIBM.     

一氧化氮合酶抑制剂对脊髓损伤后运动功能的影响

目的观察诱导型和神经型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS,nNOS)抑制剂对大鼠脊髓损伤(SCI)后运动功能的影响和机理。方法大鼠脊髓压迫伤后分别给予iNOS和nNOS抑制剂—氨基胍(AG)和7-硝基吲唑(7-NI)进行治疗,24h后用分光光度法测定组织中一氧化氮(NO)含量和一氧化氮合酶(NOS)活性,72h后用流式细胞仪检测神经细胞凋亡情况,4周后用电生理和动物行为学等指标评价运动功能的恢复情况。结果AG和7-NI均可以抑制组织中的NO含量,并使NOS活性下降,同时降低神经细胞的凋亡比率,对运动功能的恢复前者优于后者。结论脊髓损伤后应用NOS抑制剂可以使伤后运动功能得到改善,AG的作用似乎更明显,提示iNOS活性变化可能对脊髓损伤的恢复更具决定作用。     

Inducible nitric oxide synthase is responsible for nitric oxide release from murine pituicytes

This study investigated whether pituicytes were able to produce and release nitric oxide (NO), and which type of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) would be responsible for this phenomenon. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 1 micro g/ml was used as inflammatory mediator. Because pituicytes are known to secrete interleukin (IL)-6 upon stimulation with LPS, this parameter was also investigated. Cultured pituicytes, from 4-week-old male mice, were stimulated with LPS for 6 h or 24 h. At 24 h, there was a significant increase in accumulated nitrite indicating NO formation. In contrast, IL-6 release was already significantly higher 6 h after stimulation and further increased at 24 h. The correlation between accumulated nitrite and secreted IL-6 was 0.84 after 24 h of incubation with LPS. The expression of inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA in the pituicytes was significantly higher than the control level after 6 h and 24 h of exposure to LPS, with levels at 6 h being significantly higher than those at 24 h. There was no detected expression of endothelial NOS or neuronal NOS mRNA. Cultured pituicytes were also subjected to immunocytochemistry for iNOS protein at 6, 12, and 24 h after stimulation with LPS. Most cells were positive for iNOS, but there were no observable differences with the time points that we used. Collectively, these results show that pituicytes are able to produce NO, and that the inducible form of NOS is responsible for this production. Furthermore, there is a weak correlation between NO and IL-6 released from pituicytes after 24 h of stimulation with LPS.