On the expression of nitric oxide synthase by human macrophages. Why no NO?

作者：Jorge E. Albina · 发表于：Journal of Leukocyte Biology · 年份：1995 · DOI：10.1002/jlb.58.6.643 · 被引用次数：218 · 研究领域：Nitric Oxide and Endothelin Effects、Eicosanoids and Hypertension Pharmacology、Immune cells in cancer

The production of nitric oxide (NO) and its role in the anti-tumor and anti-microbial effects of rodent macrophages appears well established. In contrast, the circumstances required for its release from human monocytes/macrophages and its potential role in human pathology remain controversial. Evidence to be discussed suggests that NO is a redundant, autotoxic, immunosuppressive, and inefficient mediator of macrophage function. For these reasons, the expression of nitric oxide synthase as a rapid-response, high-output effector pathway may have been evolved out of the human monocyte/macrophage response repertoire or severely restricted in its expression. Hypothetical roles for a modest and circumscribed production of NO by human macrophages are proposed.