New study on Nitric Oxide in MS

[Guest guest]

(people are working on the theory that LDN affects the nitric oxide

damage)

Journal of Neuroimmunology June 2004

Inducible nitric oxide synthase in chronic active multiple sclerosis

plaques: distribution, cellular expression and association with

myelin damage

Abstract

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

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.