[Nitrates and nitric oxide].
Nitrovasodilators are pro-drugs able to release nitric oxide. They have been used in clinical practice for about 100 years and they are still widely used in the treatment of several diseases such as angina pectoris, acute pulmonary edema, and hypertensive crises. This article discusses the pharmacological differences of nitrovasodilators, describes the biochemical pathway of nitric oxide formation, and suggests some criteria to achieve the best therapeutic results.
Pasini
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Laboratorio di Fisiopatologia Cardiovascolare, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, IRCCS, Via Pinidolo, 23 25064 Gussago, BS.
Eleuteri
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D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism; D009573:Nitrites / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
D009573:Nitrites; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase