Nitric oxide (NO) is an important effector molecule of the immune system in eliminating numerous pathogens. Peritoneal macrophages fromTrypanosoma brucei brucei-infected mice express type II NO synthase (NOS-II), produce NO, and kill parasites in the presence ofl-arginine in vitro. Nevertheless, parasites proliferate in the vicinity of these macrophages in vivo. The present study shows thatl-arginine availability modulates NO production. Trypanosomes usel-arginine for polyamine synthesis, required for DNA and trypanothione synthesis. Moreover, arginase activity is up-regulated in macrophages from infected mice from the first days of infection. Arginase competes with NOS-II for their common substrate,l-arginine. In vitro, arginase inhibitors decreased urea production, increased macrophage nitrite production, and restored trypanosome killing. In vivo, a dramatic decrease inl-arginine concentration was observed in plasma from infected mice. In situ restoration of NO production and trypanosome killing were observed when excessl-arginine, but notd-arginine orl-arginine plusN^ω-nitro-l-arginine (a NOS inhibitor), was injected into the peritoneum of infected mice. These data indicate the role ofl-arginine depletion, induced by arginase and parasites, in modulating thel-arginine–NO pathway under pathophysiological conditions.