INDUCIBILITY Of NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) or nitric oxide synthase (N
OS) has been demonstrated in pyramidal neurones of the hippocampus, bu
t the mechanisms of this induction are not known. The present study ai
med to assess the role of anti-inflammatory drugs in injury-induced pr
oduction of NADPH-d/NOS in CA1 pyramidal neurones. We found that eithe
r a steroid, dexamethasone or a non-steroid, indomethacin, prevents in
duction of these enzymes. We also found that NO is not necessary for t
he induction. None of the three drugs used had detectable effect on th
e neurones which contain constitutive NADPH-d/NOS.