Nitric oxide synthase is absent in only a subset of cases of pyloric stenosis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The aim of this study was to study nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunohistochemistry in the pyloric muscle and establish the role of nitric oxide in pyloric stenosis.

METHODS:

Pyloric muscle biopsy specimens were obtained from 20 patients with pyloric stenosis during pyloromyotomy. Ten control specimens without pyloric disease were obtained from autopsy performed less than 4 hours after death on age-matched babies who died of other causes. Tissues were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde immediately. A monoclonal antibody against the neuronal form of NOS (bNOS) was used for immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:

Immunohistochemistry showed activity of bNOS in the control specimens and some pyloric stenosis specimens. This shows that NOS is present in the pylorus in normal cases as well as in a few cases of pyloric stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

NOS deficiency leading to lack of locally available nitric oxide causes a failure of smooth muscle relaxation. This may account for the cause of pyloric stenosis in infants. However, this study shows that this is true probably only in a subset of cases. The etiology of pyloric stenosis may still be multifactorial. Further investigations are required regarding the etiology of pyloric stenosis. J Pediatr Surg 36:616-619.

• Authors: R Subramaniam, C M Doig, L Moore
• Journal: Journal of pediatric surgery (J Pediatr Surg) Vol. 36 Issue 4 Pg. 616-9 (Apr 2001) ISSN: 0022-3468 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11283889 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Chemical References

• Nitric Oxide Synthase

Topics

• Biopsy, Needle
• Child, Preschool
• Culture Techniques
• Female
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• Infant
• Male
• Muscle Contraction (physiology)
• Muscle Relaxation (physiology)
• Nitric Oxide Synthase (analysis)
• Prospective Studies
• Pyloric Stenosis (enzymology, pathology)
• Reference Values
• Sensitivity and Specificity