Role of cyclooxygenase 2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase in preclinical atherosclerosis.

Cyclooxygenase-2 and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase enzymes may have a role in developing preclinical atherosclerosis. Designed groups were as follows: smoke exposed rats before and during pregnancy, only before pregnancy, and controls. Cross-sectional samples of abdominal aorta were examined immunohistochemically. Cyclooxygenase-2 and eNOS expression was evaluated semi-quantitatively through staining extent (focal, diffuse) and staining intensity. Diffuse COX-2 expression was detected in study groups. Endothelial NO synthase expression was diffuse in study groups. COX-2 and eNOS may contribute to the formation of preatherosclerotic lesions in offspring of rats exposed to cigarette smoke through inflammatory response.