| abstract |
Paraquat has been found to accept electrons from nitric oxide synthase (NOS) whereupon the reduced paraquat generates toxic O2- and prevents NOS from giving electrons to arginine and thereby inhibits NO production. This is generalized for compounds with a redox potential greater than nitric oxide synthase. The compounds inhibit nitric oxide synthase and kill cells including NOS by generating O¿2?- and also by depriving the cells of the NO which they need. Applications include treating paraquat-induced injury and pathologically proliferating cells (tumors, restenosis benign prostatic hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, infective pathogens). |