Nitric oxide increases leukocyte granule release during simulated extracorporeal circulation.

BACKGROUND

Nitric Oxide (NO) is reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate if nitric oxide affects leukocyte response during simulated extracorporeal circulation (SECC).

METHODS

Human blood was circulated for 23 hours through SECC circuit. Control group C (n = 5) was ventilated with an oxygen/air mixture, and NO was added in the study group (n = 5). Leukocyte response was determined by release of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and human neutrophil lipocalin (HNL) and by oxygen free radical production, estimated using chemiluminescence.

RESULTS

Addition of NO significantly increased MPO at 30 minutes and 120 minutes of SECC and HNL at 120 minutes of SECC. Oxygen free radical production in whole blood was generally not affected by NO. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the chemiluminescence in isolated granulocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Nitric oxide increased release of leukocyte granule derived proteins; MPO and HNL at an early stage of simulated extracorporeal circulation. At the same time, nitric oxide did not affect the whole blood and leukocyte capacity to produce oxygen free radicals.