Activation of Type III Nitric Oxide Synthase in Astrocytes Following a Neurotropic Viral Infection

摘要: Type III nitric oxide synthase (type NOS), also known as endothelial cell (eNOS or ecNOS NOS-3), is a constitutively expressed, calcium- and calmodulin-dependent, isoform of NOS. Its expression has been localized to cells subset neurons in the brain. We report here that resident astrocytes central nervous system (CNS) mice express type Following an experimental neurotropic viral infection, NOS on reactive increases substantially, predominantly virally infected regions This upregulation evident following cytokine treatment vitro. The intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration IL-12, potent activator IFN-gamma TNF-alpha production, results substantial increase immunoreactivity astrocytes. Cytokine-mediated activation observed vitro exposure C6 glioma cells, which NOS, IFN-gamma, treatment. conclude murine CNS may be positively regulated by number cytokines infection. represents novel source It important regulating perfusion maintaining blood-brain barrier. Given intimate association with neurons, increased activity infection beneficial inhibition neighboring cells.