NO inhibitions: antimicrobial properties of nitric oxide.
The past decade has witnessed a veritable explosion of interest in the simple molecule nitric oxide (NO) as a vasodilator, neurotransmitter, and antimicrobial agent. NO and other reactive nitrogen intermediates exhibit cytostatic or cytocidal activity against a remarkable breadth of pathogenic microorganisms. Mammalian cells, including human cells, produce nitric oxide both constitutively and inducibly in response to inflammatory stimuli. This review will provide a brief overview of current knowledge regarding the antimicrobial activity of NO and the possible importance of this activity in infection, particularly with regard to intracellular pathogens.
De Groote
M A
MA
Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Fang
F C
FC
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D005658:Fungi / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010271:Parasites / Q000502:physiology; D018406:Virus Physiological Phenomena
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide