Differential induction of brain, lung and liver nitric oxide synthase by endotoxin in the rat

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) synthase in rat brain was found to be constitutive and Ca2(+)-dependent. The enzyme in rat lung or liver (predominantly in parenchymal cells) was not constitutive, but was induced by endotoxin treatment and was Ca2(+)-independent. The NO synthases in rat brain and liver or lung are therefore distinct both in their properties and in their regulation.