Steven B. Abramson

Nitric Oxide in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Recent studies have established that excessive nitric oxide (NO) is produced during the course of both the human and the MRL/lpr model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (1–6). Although the inhibition of NO synthesis improves outcome in the MRL/lpr mice, the role of NO in the pathogenesis of SLE is as yet undetermined. The biology of NO, produced by constitutive or induced enzymes in virtually all tissues, is likely to exert complex actions on both immunologic and inflammatory processes. This chapter reviews the data that indicate that NO might play an important role in SLE. There is an emphasis on the biological reactivity of NO as well as its effects on cells of inflammation and immunity. An understanding of the pleiotropic effects of NO could advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE and possibly lead to novel therapeutic strategies.