Endothelial nitric oxide synthase: a determinant of TNFalpha production by human monocytes/macrophages.
Until recently endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) has been associated exclusively with physiological functions, particularly in the cardiovascular system. However, increasing evidence has been accumulated that supports the concept for a role of eNOS in pathophysiology. In particular, detection of eNOS protein and activity in human monocytes/macrophages suggest an immunomodulatory role of this enzyme. Here, we review data that promote the hypothesis that by enhancing TNFalpha production, eNOS activity should be regarded as a novel pro-inflammatory parameter in human monocytes/macrophages.
Mühl
Heiko
H
Pharmazentrum frankfurt, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. H.Muehl@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Pfeilschifter
Josef
J
D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D009000:Monocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000502:physiology*; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C496314:NOS3 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III