Immunohistochemical localization of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase within neurons of cattle with rabies.

Abstract

The expression of constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) in the brains of cattle with natural rabies was studied. Increased expression of eNOS was detected in neurons of the brain stem and Purkinje cells of cerebellum. By contrast, iNOS was diffusely localized in the cytoplasm of affected neurons, and some inflammatory cells were positive. eNOS and rabies antigen were co-localized in inclusion bodies (Negri bodies) in neurons. The specific localization of eNOS, but not iNOS, in the Negri bodies suggests that eNOS is involved in the formation of rabies virus inclusion bodies.