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STUDY DESIGN::Functional outcome was evaluated following experimental compression-type spinal cord injury (SCI) in wild-type mice and knockout mice, lacking the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene. OBJECTIVES::To evaluate the role of the nitric oxide generating enzyme iNOS in SCI. METHODS::The experimental animals were subjected to an extradural compression of the thoracic spinal cord. Functional outcome was studied during the first 2 weeks post-injury using a scoring system for assessment of hind limb motor function. RESULTS::Injury resulted in initial paraplegia followed by gradual improvement of motor function in most cases. Mice lacking the iNOS gene (iNOS-/-) clearly tended to have a better functional outcome than wild-type mice. The difference was significant on day 14 after injury. CONCLUSION::In accordance with a few earlier experimental studies, showing beneficial effects of pharmacological iNOS inhibition, the present report would indicate a destructive influence of iNOS following spinal cord trauma.Spinal Cord (2005) 43, 167-170. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101672 Published online 2 November 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]