Does nitric oxide play a role in liver function?
Nitric oxide (NO) is becoming increasingly recognised as a signalling molecule in many organs, although its role in the liver remains to be fully elucidated. There is no doubt that liver cells can produce NO in response to a variety of stimuli including Corynebacterium parvum-infection, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a variety of cytokines. Within the liver, NO modulates some fundamental intracellular functions such as protein synthesis, mitochondrial electron transport and components of the citric acid cycle. Intercellular roles for NO in the liver may include drug metabolism and blood storage. Also, NO acts to protect the liver from immunological damage in models of hepatic inflammation. Understanding the role of NO in the liver may provide insight into the functioning of this organ in health and disease.
Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Australian National University, Canberra.
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Milbourne
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Bygrave
D000818:Animals; D003354:Corynebacterium Infections / Q000201:enzymology; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000382:microbiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015398:Signal Transduction
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase