Method of using tetracycline compounds for inhibition of endogenous nitric oxide production

摘要

A method is disclosed for inhibiting endogenous production of nitric oxide (NO) in an in vivo, in vitro, or ex vivo mammalian system. The method employs a tetracycline compound to inhibit production of NO and/or to inhibit the expression or activity of an inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Preferably, the tetracycline compound has inhibitory activity for metalloproteinases. Also it is preferred that the tetracycline compound is provided to the mammalian system in an amount which has little or no antibacterial activity in the system. Accordingly, preferred tetracycline compounds are tetracycline compounds which have be modified to reduce or eliminate their antimicrobial activity. The method can be used to treat medical conditions in mammals characterized by NO production mediated by iNOS, including, for example, inflammatory conditions.