Abstract
Objectives: This study addresses whether an age-related reduction in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) activity by AM causes the high incidence of opportunistic pneumonias in infants who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Mycobacterium spp.) are inhibited or killed by NO.
Design and setting: A rodent study preformed in an university research laboratory.
Subjects: Four litters of newborn or infant rats, and 4 adult rats, were used.
Interventions: Cultured AM lavaged from newborn (3-day-old), infant (10-day), or adult rats were stimulated with interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide.
Measurements: Supernatants from AM had NO production determined as its end products, nitrite [NO2-, Griess assay] and nitrate [NO2-, nitrate reductase enzyme method]. iNOS activity by AM was equaled to superoxide anion (O2-) production [ferricytochrome c assay] and lysozyme content [lysoplate method].
Results: Micromolar content of NO2- & NO3- were: 114±4 & 59±15* (3 day), 40±9 & 37±6 (10-day), and 36±5 & 42±6 (adult). O2- production (nmol/106 am/10 min) was: 18±1 (3-day). 15±1 (10-day), and 16±2 (adult). Lysozyme content (ng lysozyme/μg cell protein) was: 6±1 (3-day), 13±4 (10-day), and 27±6 (adult). Data presented as mean±SEM; * = p<0.05 v. adult.
Conclusions: Inducible NO production by AM is elevated in newborns compared to adults suggesting that infantile susceptibility 10 opportunistic pneumonias associated with HIV infection is not due 10 an age-related reduction in iNOS expression.
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Sherman, M., Ignarro, L. NITRIC OXIDE (NO) PRODUCTION BY PULMONARY ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES (AM) FROM NEONATAL, INFANT AND ADULT RATS. Pediatr Res 35, 269 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199402000-00087
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199402000-00087