Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in TMEV-infected mice

E. L. Qleszak, C. D. Katsetos, A. Varadhacharv, J. Kuzmak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

TMEV infection of mice is an excellent model of human demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. NO has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of demyel1nating diseases. To elucidate the role of NO in the induction of demyelination in TMEV-infected mice, we investigated the role of iNOS in TMEV-infected resistant (C57BL/6) and susceptible (SJL) mice. RNA was prepared from brain and spinal cord of SJL and C57BL/6 mice and cDNA was synthesized. iNOS transcripts were amplified by PCR, using iNOS specific amplification primers, and analyzed by Southern blotting. iNOS specific transcripts were found in the brain and spinal cord of SJL and C57BL/6 TMEV-infected mice 6, 10 and 39 (SJL) days post-infection (p.i.). In contrast, these transcripts were absent in TMEV-infected mice 0, 3 and 69 days p.i. and in mock-infected mice. Affinity purified anti-iNOS specific rabbit antibody stained reactive astrocytes and to a lesser degree cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, in both SJL and C57BL/6 TMEVinfected mice 6 & 10 days p.i., but not 0, 3 & 69 days p.i. iNOS+ reactive astrocytes were observed in the midbrain, surrounding areas of necrotizing inflammation. Rod-shaped microgl ia-like cells in foci of spinal grey matter inflammation were iNOS-. These findings suggest that it is unlikely that NO plays a direct role in TMEV-induced demyelination.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)A1295
JournalFASEB Journal
Volume10
Issue number6
StatePublished - 1996

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