Regulation and functions of nitric oxide in the liver in sepsis and inflammation.

The liver plays important roles in metabolic and immune responses during sepsis. It is the major site of acute-phase protein synthesis and is responsible for the clearance of circulating pathogens. In addition to mediators such as cytokines and eicosanoids, numerous studies have emphasized the role of nitric oxide (NO.) in influencing hepatic function during sepsis. The induction and the distribution of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the liver, the regulation of the enzyme, and the functions of NO. in the liver are the subject of this review.