Pharmacological nitric oxide research – Jon Lundberg's research group

Research in our group focuses on the biological chemistry and physiological and therapeutic roles of nitric oxide, and chemically related compounds. A major focus is to explore a novel biochemical pathway for the generation of nitric oxide in mammals.

Our Research

Recent studies show that the supposedly inert inorganic anions nitrate (NO³¯) and nitrite (NO²¯) can recycle in vivo to form nitric oxide (NO) and other bioactive nitrogen oxides. This represents an important alternative source of NO, especially during hypoxia when the classical L-arginine/NO synthase pathway may be dysfunctional.

A picture is now emerging suggesting important biological functions of the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway, with provocative implications in relation to diet and cardiovascular homeostasis.

In addition, an expanding number of studies suggest a therapeutic potential for nitrate and nitrite in diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, systemic and pulmonary hypertension and gastric ulceration.

Projects

  • Nitrate and nitrite as a substrate for NO generation
  • Airway nitric oxide
  • NO and the gastrointestinal system
  • NO as a marker for inflammation
  • Antibacterial effects of nitrite.

Methods

We use most of the standard molecular biology techniques.

In addition, we have numerous highly specialised assays for determination of nitric oxide (NO) in vivo and in vitro. These include chemiluminescence detection of NO in exhaled breath, in nasal air and in intestinal gases (colon, stomach), as well as highly sensitive assays for nitrate, nitrite and S-nitrosothiols, citrulline assay, cGMP RIA, and immunohistochemistry for NOSs.

Collaborations

We collaborate with the research group Nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway in health and disease

Publications

Selected publications

Staff and contact

Group leader

All members of the group