Effect of carbon bisulfide on the activity and gene expression of nitricoxide synthase in rat hippocampus

Objective: To explore the effect of carbon bisulfide(CS2) on the activity and gene expression of nitricoxide synthase(NOS) in rat hippocampus. Methods: The toxic rat models were made by inhaling various doses CS2.After 2 months of inhaling intoxication, the learning and memory ability of all groups were examined by Morris Water Maze, the activity of NOS in hippocampus was detected by NOS Test Kit and Neuronal NOS(nNOS) mRNA content was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) method. Results:Compared with the controls, Morris Water Maze showed that the average run away latent period of CS2-poisoned groups elongated and the activity of NOS significantly increased. With the increase of CS2 concentration, the activity of NOS decreased. CS2 treatment significantly decreased nNOS mRNA content, which was CS2 concentration dependent. Conclusion:These results suggest that the activity of NOS and the expression of nNOS might be related to the effect of CS2 on learning and memory.