Nitric oxide is an antiadhesive molecule for leukocytes.

There is growing evidence that nitric oxide (NO.), a biologically active gas continuously produced by endothelium, is a homeostatic regulator of leukocyte adhesion in the microcirculation. Inhibition of NO. production leads to increased leukocyte rolling and adhesion in various vascular beds and two adhesion molecules, P-selectin and CD11/CD18, have been implicated in these processes. The role of mast cells and mast cell-derived mediators as potential contributors to the increased adhesion are discussed in this review. Moreover, oxidants may initiate the leukocyte recruitment after NO. synthesis inhibition. Recent data demonstrating increased oxidative stress in endothelium deprived of NO. are summarized. The role of NO. as an anti-inflammatory and antiadhesive modulator in postischemic venules of various organs is also discussed. The beneficial effect of NO. donors in this inflammatory condition is summarized. Finally, the potential use of NO. donating drugs in concert with available pharmaceutical compounds to reduce inflammation is reviewed.