Human peritoneal mesothelial cells produce nitric oxide: induction by cytokines.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the induction of nitric oxide synthase type II (iNOS) in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) using cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DESIGN Confluent monolayers of HPMC were exposed to cytokines [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), interferon gamma (IFNgamma)] or LPS, individually or in various double and triple combinations, for 24-72 hours. Concentrations of nitrate and nitrite in the media were quantified using the Griess reaction and used as indirect indices of nitric oxide (NO) production. The expression of iNOS was assessed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS Neither single cytokines nor LPS was able to induce iNOS mRNA or NO production. Both double combinations of TNFalpha + IFNgamma and IL-1beta + IFNgamma were able to induce iNOS mRNA expression, but only TNFalpha + IFNgamma induced significant NO production. The triple combination of TNFalpha + IFNgamma + IL-1beta induced even more NO production than TNFalpha + IFNgamma. There was no constitutive NO synthase type III (eNOS) expression in HPMC. CONCLUSIONS Certain combinations of cytokines could stimulate cultured HPMC to produce NO, and HPMC might be a source of intraperitoneal NO production during peritonitis.