| abstract |
Methods and compositions are provided for treating vascular diseases and modulating inflammatory and immune processes using carbon monoxide producing compounds, including methylene chloride. Compounds of interest inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, protect the vasculature against oxidative stress and injury, regulate the activity of various immune system cells, and inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines In addition, the ability to promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines is effective in treating conditions associated with toxic proliferative or inflammatory responses. Also provided are methods for prolonging the survival of transplanted organs and inhibiting chronic rejection in a recipient. |