[Nitric oxide--basal biochemistry and physiological aspects].
Nitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring molecule found in a variety of cell types and organ systems, including the cardiovascular, immune and nervous system. NO is normally produced in the endothelium from L-arginine by the constitutive isoform of the NO synthase (cNOS). Thereby, NO is an important regulator of vascular tone, prevents platelet adhesion, aggregation and activation, limits leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and regulates myocardial contractility. This physiological production of NO is important for blood pressure regulation, blood flow distribution and tissue perfusion. Following injury or certain inflammatory stimuli, the expression of an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) can occur in a great variety of cells. In the last decade research on NO has suggested new treatment strategies for several diseases. In this review we discuss the biochemistry of NO and its basal physiological implications, with special emphasis on NO produced in the endothelium.
Kirkebøen
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KA
Anestesiavdelingen, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
Andreassen
A K
AK
Kvernmo
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HD
Strand
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OA
D000818:Animals; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012106:Research
D006454:Hemoglobins; D009569:Nitric Oxide