Lack of inducible nitric oxide synthases attenuates leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions in retinal microcirculation
2008

The Role of iNOS in Retinal Inflammation

Sample size: 168 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): D Iwama, S Miyahara, H Tamura, K Miyamoto, F Hirose, N Yoshimura

Primary Institution: Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study investigates the effect of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) on inflammatory reactions during endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) in mice.

Conclusion

A lack of iNOS suppresses leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions in the retinas of mice with EIU.

Supporting Evidence

  • Leukocyte rolling and migration peaked at 48 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection.
  • The maximal numbers of rolling leukocytes in the iNOS−/− mouse retina decreased by 98.2% compared to normal mice.
  • The maximal numbers of migrated leukocytes in the iNOS−/− mouse retina decreased by 74.0% compared to normal mice.
  • The diameters of major retinal veins in the iNOS−/− group were smaller than those in the normal group.

Takeaway

This study found that when a specific enzyme (iNOS) is missing in mice, their immune cells have a harder time moving to areas of inflammation in the eye.

Methodology

The study used immunosuppressed iNOS−/− mice and normal C57BL/6 mice to evaluate leukocyte rolling and migration in the retina after lipopolysaccharide injection.

Participant Demographics

Male pigmented C57BL/6J Jms Slc mice and male immunosuppressed iNOS−/− mice, both aged 8–10 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1136/bjo.2007.131151

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