Co-regulation between cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the time-course of murine inflammation

Many in vitro studies have used cell cultures to focus on the relationships between cyclo-oxygenase-2. (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) isoforms. We have investigated the time-course of regulation and the role of COX-2 and iNOS in a model of experimental inflammation in mice, the air pouch injected with zymosan. This study demonstrates that there is an early acute phase (4 h) mediated mainly by eicosanoids, with high levels of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) produced by cyclooxygenase-1. In addition, in the later phase (from 12 h) there is a participation of nitric oxide (NO) and PGE(2) accompanied by co-induction of both iNOS and COX-2. These enzymes were detected in migrating leukocytes as well as in macrophages lining the air pouch. Administration of NS398 or indomethacin inhibited PGE(2) levels and COX activity, but also nitrite levels and iNOS activity, which was accompanied by a reduction in iNOS expression. Aminoguanidine inhibited nitrite levels and iNOS activity in addition to exerting inhibitory effects on the COX pathway. Treatment of animals with dexamethasone reduced nitrite and PGE(2) concentrations in air pouch exudates, as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in migrating cells. Our results indicate that PGE(2) and NO may play in vivo mutual modulatory roles in the inflammatory response caused by zymosan injection into the mouse air pouch, a suitable model to study drugs acting on those pathways.