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. 1992 Aug 1;89(15):6711–6715. doi: 10.1073/pnas.89.15.6711

Cloned and expressed macrophage nitric oxide synthase contrasts with the brain enzyme.

C J Lowenstein 1, C S Glatt 1, D S Bredt 1, S H Snyder 1
PMCID: PMC49573  PMID: 1379716

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule of macrophages, endothelial cells in blood vessels, and neurons. A neuronal form of NO synthase (NOS) has been previously cloned. We now report the molecular cloning of macrophage NOS. The macrophage enzyme displays 50% sequence identity to the neuronal enzyme. Like neuronal NOS, macrophage NOS has recognition sites for FAD, FMN, and NADPH and also has a consensus calmodulin binding site. Macrophage NOS mRNA is strikingly inducible; it is absent in quiescent macrophages or spleen but is prominent 2-6 hr after endotoxin treatment.

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