논문 상세보기
pp.200-211
Nitric oxide(NO) is synthesized via the oxidation of L-arginine by a family of nitric oxide synthases(NOS), which are either constitutive(cNOS) or inducible(iNOS). The induction of iNOS in tissues can lead to the sustained production of high concentrations of NO which may exert pro-inflammatory effects including vasodilation, edema, cyototoxicity, and its activity can be mediated by various pro-inflammatory cytokine, including interferonγ(INF- γ), tumor necrosis factor, IL-1 and IL-6. The enzyme, iNOS, became a new target for pharmacologcal research with the aim to find new substances for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. Murine macrophages produce large amounts of NO when activated with TFN-γ plus LPS. Murine macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7, is a suitable cell model to perform in vitro studies regarding the iNOS system. Artemisin feddei Lev. et Vnt.(Compositae) is a perennial herb growing in Korea. The aerial parts have been used in foik medicine as antiinflammatory, antipyretic, choleretic and diuretic agent. Sesquiterpenelactones were isolated from this plant. In the course of screening for NO inhibitory activity from medicnial plants, the aqueous extract of this plant was found to have a significant activity.
