Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in circulating neutrophils of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and septic patients.

p < 0.001). The peripheral WBC count and CRP level were significantly higher in iNOS-positive patients than in iNOS-negative patients ( p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Postoperatively, the serum NO 2 \- + NO 3 \- concentration increased in 87% of septic patients and in 56% of patients with SIRS ( p < 0.05 for both). Our study indicated that iNOS mRNA expression is induced in human circulating PMNs of patients with postoperative sepsis and SIRS and may be involved in the pathogenesis of the sepsis syndrome.