[Metabolism and function of nitric oxide in the liver].
Nitric oxide (NO) is rapidly gaining importance as an ubiquitous biological mediator. Very different physiologic and pathophysiologic reactions are regulated by the endogenous biosynthesis or the release of NO from drugs. Besides its functions as an endothelium derived relaxing factor and inhibitory neurotransmitter, NO plays a key role in inflammation and immunity. The liver appears to have a central position in this complex scenario as both parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells synthesize NO under immune stimulation. Many aspects of the metabolism and the mode of action of NO, which are still unclear, remain to be further investigated and confirmed in the human system. Recent cloning of an inducible human NO synthase reveals new perspectives. The following article reviews the present scientific knowledge of the metabolism and function of hepatic NO.
Nussler
A K
AK
Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
Heeckt
P F
PF
Stadler
J
J
D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D004790:Enzyme Induction / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase
D016207:Cytokines; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases