NOS2 and leishmaniasis: The mRNA expression level of the Th1 and Th2 cytokines in vaccinated group of hamsters was estimated by qRT-PCR, on days 45 and 90 p.c. A moderate increase (∼2 to ∼3 folds) in expression levels of iNOS mRNA transcripts, which is known to impart major role in control of leishmaniasis, was observed in all the hamsters vaccinated with above mentioned combinations on day 45 p.c., which was further increased significantly (∼3 to ∼4 folds) on day 90 p.c., as compared to non-vaccinated infected control (Fig. 9A&B).