title: [Nitric monoxide, a new neurotransmitter in the central nervous system].
abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is a recently discovered endogenous molecule considered as an unconventional biological messenger. Experimental evidence indicates that, in the brain, NO is produced enzymatically (calcium-dependent mechanism) in response to stimulation of postsynaptic excitatory amino cid receptors. NO activates soluble guanylate cyclase, that results in increases of cGMP levels in target cells. NO is physiologically involved in synaptic plasticity mechanisms. In situation of excessive production, NO can exert neurotoxic effects, suggesting a role in neurodegenerative disorders, including post-ischemic damage.
authors.affiliation: Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université René-Descartes, Paris.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Boulu
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plotkine
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buisson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000187:drug effects; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide
vernacular_title: Le monoxyde d'azote, un nouveau neurotransmetteur au niveau du système nerveux central.