Role of nitric oxide in defense of the central nervous system against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 18627273.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1086/591097 and PMC identifier 7580555.
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Abstract
Murine models of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) have not reflected the severity of disease in humans. Based on reports that activated murine microglial cells, but not human microglial cells, express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), the objective of this study was to determine whether iNOS-knockout (iNOS(-/-)) mice would provide such a model. iNOS(-/-) mice infected with M. tuberculosis developed serious clinical manifestations and granulomatous lesions containing tubercle bacilli throughout the meninges, all of which were absent in wild-type mice. This study underscores the importance of nitric oxide in defense against TBM and suggests that iNOS(-/-) mice are an appropriate model for human TBM.
Medical subject headings
- Central Nervous System
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Nitric Oxide
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II
- Tuberculosis