INDUCIBLE NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE IN THE BLADDER OF SPINAL CORD INJURED PATIENTS WITH A CHRONIC INDWELLING URINARY CATHETER

Abstract

Inducible nitric oxide synthase is expressed in inflammatory macrophages in areas of chronic inflammation in the bladder mucosa of spinal cord injured patients with a chronic indwelling bladder catheter. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase may potentially lead to the sustained production of nitric oxide and its oxidative products, the nitrosation of urinary amines and the formation of potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines in the bladder.