Open AccessIncreased Nitric Oxide Production Prevents Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Caveolin-1 Deficient Mice Following Endotoxin Exposure
Author(s) -
Bethany J. Hsia,
Amy M. Pastva,
Charles Giamberardino,
Erin N. Potts-Kant,
W. Michael Foster,
Loretta G. Que,
Soman N. Abraham,
Jo Rae Wright,
David Zaas
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of allergy and therapy
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2155-6121
DOI - 10.4172/2155-6121.s1-004
Subject(s) - nitric oxide , caveolin 1 , lipopolysaccharide , nitric oxide synthase , inflammation , immunology , caveolin , lung , medicine , chemistry , caveolae , endocrinology , signal transduction , biochemistry
Caveolin-1, the hallmark protein of caveolae, is highly expressed within the lung in the epithelium, endothelium, and in immune cells. In addition to its classical roles in cholesterol metabolism and endocytosis, caveolin-1 has also been shown to be important in inflammatory signaling pathways. In particular, caveolin-1 is known to associate with the nitric oxide synthase enzymes, downregulating their activity. Endotoxins, which are are composed mainly of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are found ubiquitously in the environment and can lead to the development of airway inflammation and increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).