Nitric oxide and respiratory helminthic diseases.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a very simple molecule that displays very important functions both in helminths (mainly those involved in respiratory pathology) and in mammalian hosts. In this paper we review four issues related to interaction of NO and lung helminthic diseases. Firstly, we evaluated data available on the NO synthesis and release by helminths and their biological role. Next, we summarized the effect of antigens obtained from different phases of the biological cycle on NO production by host mammalian cells (mainly from human sources). Thirdly, we revised the evaluation of NO on the biological activities and/or the viability of respiratory helminths. Lastly, the deleterious consequences of increased production of NO during helminthic human infection are detailed.
Muro
Antonio
A
Laboratorio de Inmunología Parasitaria y Molecular, Centro de Investigación de Enfermedades Tropicales de la Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain. ama@usal.es
Pérez-Arellano
José-Luís
JL
D000818:Animals; D006373:Helminthiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000469:parasitology*
D009569:Nitric Oxide