N-OMEGA-NITRO-L-ARGININE METHYL-ESTER REDUCES THE INCIDENCE OF IDDM IN BB E RATS/

Evidence that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in cytokine-mediated islet beta-cell dysfunction and destruction in vitro has led to the hypothe sis that increased production of NO may contribute to the pathogenesis of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), This study demonstrate s that oral administration of N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (a n inhibitor of NO synthase) from 30 to 150 days of age significantly r educed (P < 0.05) the incidence of IDDM in diabetes-prone BB/E rats. T his supports the idea that NO plays a significant role in the pathogen esis of IDDM in this animal model.