Nitric oxide and neurons.
In the past 2 years powerful evidence has emerged to suggest that nitric oxide functions as a neurotransmitter in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent evidence suggests that it may play a role in mediating forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, and long-term depression in the cerebellum. Abnormal secretion of nitric oxide may be responsible for the neurotoxicity mediated by NMDA receptors that results in the pathophysiology of strokes and neurodegenerative diseases.
Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, Maryland 21205.
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Snyder
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide