INCREASED NITRIC-OXIDE PRODUCTION IN COLLAGENOUS AND LYMPHOCYTIC COLITIS

The production of nitric oxide (NO) is increased in active ulcerative colitis and in Crohn's disease. We have studied NO production in colla genous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), both of which are in flammatory bowel disorders of unknown aetiology. NO levels were measur ed directly in gas sampled from the colon during colonoscopy. Plasma l evels of NO metabolites (nitrate/nitrite) were also measured. Luminal NO levels were more than 100 times higher in patients with CC compared with controls. In addition, plasma levels of nitrate/nitrite were inc reased in the patients as compared with controls. Measurements of NO d irectly in the colon or its oxidation products in plasma may be a help ful tool in further understanding the role of NO in the pathophysiolog y of CC and LC. Moreover, it is tempting to speculate that these measu rements could be clinically useful in the diagnosis and therapy monito ring of these two inflammatory bowel diseases.