Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in transplanted rat liver and its inhibitory effect.
BACKGROUND
It is reported that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in rejection. This study was designed to observe the expression of iNOS in the transplanted liver tissues and the effect of aminoguanidine(an inhibitor of iNOS) and FK506(immunosuppression) on acute rejection after liver transplantation.


METHODS
All rats were divided into four groups: homogeneous (LEW-LEW), acute rejection (BN-LEW), aminoguanidine (BN-LEW), and FK506 (BN-LEW). In the last two groups the drugs were used in heterogeneous rats after liver transplantation. The expression of iNOS in liver tissues of all groups was investigated immunohistochemically.


RESULTS
In the acute rejection group, the expression of iNOS was extremely positive compared to the other three groups. The difference was statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
During the process of acute rejection in rat orthotopic liver transplantation, the enhanced expression of iNOS correlates to the severity of rejection. Aminoguanidine and FK506 can inhibit the expression of iNOS and palliate acute rejection.
Wang
Guang-Yi
GY
Department of General Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China. wgymd@sina.com
Meng
Wei
W
Ji
Bai
B
Du
Xiao-Hong
XH
Zhao
Jun
J
D000818:Animals; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006146:Guanidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D016031:Liver Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; D051381:Rats; D011914:Rats, Inbred BN; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D006146:Guanidines; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052247:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; C496318:Nos2 protein, rat; C004479:pimagedine; D016559:Tacrolimus