Abstract
Purpose: :
inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a calcium–independent enzyme, and releases far greater amounts of nitric oxid (NO) and exerts cytotoxic and cytostatic effects not only against invading pathogens, but also against healthy cells. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the expression of iNOS by corneal buttons with clinical diagnosis of herpes simplex (HSV) keratitis.
Methods: :
Twenty standard paraffin sections of corneal graft recipients with clinical diagnosis of HSV keratitis and 20 donor scleral remnants were retrieved, prepared and blocked for endogenous peroxidase and avidin/biotin, and immunostained for iNOS.
Results: :
Of the 20 cases of herpetic corneal button investigated 15 were considered positive for iNOS. Six donor scleral remnants were considered positive for iNOS.
Conclusions: :
Our data suggest that iNOS seems to play an important role during HSV keratitis. Further studies are required to confirm the mechanisms of NO in viral keratitis.
Keywords: herpes simplex virus • nitric oxide