| abstract |
The application is for a method of inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) in an in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo biological system. The method employs a tetracycline compound to inhibit the production of NO and/or to inhibit the expression or activity of an inducible isoform ot nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Preferably, the tetraclycine compound has inhibitory activity for metalloproteinases. Also it is preferred that the tetracycline compound is provided to the biological system in an amount which has little or no antibacterial activity in the system. The method can be used to treat medical conditions in mammals characterized by NO production mediated by iNOS, including, for example, inflammatory conditions. |