RESUMEN
Aim To study the role of nitric oxide by measuring the expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase in hippocampus of rats tolerance and dependence to the anticonvulsant action of flurazepam.Method Animal models of toleran and dependence to flurazepam were established. Nitric oxide synthase in hippocampus was measured using Western blot and immunohistochemistry, and its activity was evaluated using colorimetry. Result Hippocampal nNOS increased in rats tolerance to flurazepam. In rats dependence to flurazepam, hippocampal nNOS increased but without statistical significance. Total NOS activity increased dramatically both in flurazepam tolerane and dependene rats.Conclusion NO may play a role in rats tolerance and dependence to the anticonvulsant action of flurazepam.