Synthesis of nitric oxide from l-arginine by neutrophils. Release and interaction with superoxide anion

Stimulated rat peritoneal neutrophils release a platelet inhibitory factor with the pharmacological properties of NO. This release is inhibited by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine and L-canavanine, indicating that it occurs through a mechanism similar to that in vascular endothelial cells and macrophages. As the degree of stimulation increases, the factor released is progressively inactivated by concomitant release of superoxide anions.