Relation between intestinal iNOS activation, epithelial cell viability and vascular leakage following Helicobacter pylori endotoxin challenge

Introduction: The infection with Helicobacter pylori leads to gastroduodenal mucosal injury. Less is known on the mechanism of action of its lypopolysaccharide component (LPS). Nitric oxide generated in large amounts by the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) following LPS or/and cytokine exposure plays a key role in inflammation. Aim: We examined the relation between iNOS activation, inflammation and epithelial cell viability of intestinal tissues following Helicobacter pylori LPS challenge in vivo in male Wistar rats. Methods and results: We found that administration of Helicobacter pylori LPS (3mg/kg, iv.)…