What does iNOS do?

iNOS is a mediator of unspecific host defence, central in the clearance of bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. However, excess production of NO appears to be linked to tissue damage and organ dysfunction, e.g. the hypotensive and vasoplegic state characteristic for septic shock.

Where is iNOS expressed?

lymphoid organs (6–9). iNOS is also expressed in microglial cells, astrocytes, neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) (7, 10, 11).

What cells express iNOS?

Studies have shown that iNOS is expressed by T cells, macrophages, and mature dendritic cells (mDCs), and regulates the differentiation and function of immune cells via nitration of key molecules involved in transcriptional or signaling pathways [6,7,8].

How does LPs affect the expression of iNOS?

Taken together, our findings demonstrate that immature microglial cells express iNOS during normal development, suggesting a certain degree of activation. Furthermore, LPS treatment induces overactivation of amoeboid microglia, resulting in a significant iNOS upregulation.

How is iNOS expression regulated in the CNS?

The expression of iNOS in the CNS is very tightly regulated, and several intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli can induce its expression in immune cells ( 14, 18 ).

Which is part of the body expresses Inos?

Although iNOS is mainly expressed by microglia that become activated in different pathological and experimental situations, it was recently reported that undifferentiated amoeboid microglia can also express iNOS during normal development.

Where does Inos occur in the immune system?

Several inflammatory stimuli can induce the expression of iNOS in various cell types such as macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, epithelial cells in the gut and lung mucosa, smooth muscle cells, and stromal cells of secondary