Modulation of nitric oxide production in vivo in the brain.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical gas that is synthesized from L-arginine (L-Arg) by NO synthase (NOS). Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), non-NMDA or metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) causes NO formation through NOS activation. We propose that there may be two pathways for NO production; NOS-dependent and independent pathways. Activation of NMDA receptors results in an increase in NO production via the NOS-dependent pathways whereas activation of non-NMDA receptors or mGluR may produce NO through not only the NOS-dependent pathway but also an NOS-independent pathway. Furthermore, it is suggested that glial cells may play a role in modulating NO production by regulating L-Arg availability.
Yamada
K
K
Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan.
Nabeshima
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009569:Nitric Oxide; C496320:NOS1 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052248:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I