MECHANISMS FOR NITRIC OXIDE-INDUCED CELL-DEATH - INVOLVEMENT OF APOPTOSIS

Recent observations suggest that apoptosis, the natural, active cell d eath process is also triggered in several pathological conditions incl uding ischemic brain insult, and neurodegenerative and autoimmune dise ases. We have investigated the mechanisms involved in the development of apoptosis in neuronal and pancreatic cells and in macrophages, whic h were exposed to either chemical donors of nitric oxide or to inducer s of the nitric oxide synthase. In this overview, we summarize current evidence for the involvement of apoptosis in the cytotoxicity of nitr ic oxide and discuss possible mechanisms that may lead to cell death.