Abstract
This study was designed to assess the production of nitric oxide (NO) by neutrophils in bronchial asthma. Thirty asthmatic patients (ten each of mild, moderate and severe asthma) and ten healthy controls were included in the study. Neutrophils from peripheral venous blood were stimulated with latex, and production of nitrite (an NO metabolise) and L-citrulline (a co-product of NO) was studied. It was postulated that peripheral blood neutrophils, being in a primed or activated state in asthma, would reflect the changes occurring in bronchial tree neutrophils. Nitrite and L-citrulline production by neutrophils was significantly higher in asthmatics (p < 0.001) and increased with disease severity. A strong negative correlation was observed between peak expiratory flow and both nitrite (r = -0.87, p < 0.001) and L-citrulline (r = -0.88, p < 0.001) production. It is concluded that nitric oxide production by neutrophils is increased in bronchial asthma and can possibly contribute to airway narrowing and disease severity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
