ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS ) in patients with gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD)and healthy controls.Methods The distribution and relative protein amount of two NOS subtypes (nNOS and iNOS)were determined with immunohistological method,and their mRNA levels were measured with real-time PCR method.Results The nNOS and iNOS were mostly distributed in the cytoplasm in epithelia of esophageal mucosa.The nNOS and iNOS in reflux esophagitis (RE)were significantly higher than in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)patients and healthy controls (P <0.05 ).The mRNA levels of nNOS and iNOS were also significantly higher in RE patients than in NERD patients and healthy controls (P <0.05).Conclusion The expressions of nNOS and iNOS were increased in the esophagus of RE patients,which may be related to the effects of NO on the onset of GERD.