[Nitric oxide synthases and peripheral cardiovascular system].
The synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) is catalysed by nitric oxide synthases which exist in at least three distinct isoforms. These enzymes catalyse the oxidation of the amino acid L-arginine to give rise to L-citrulline and NO. The different cell types comprising cardiac muscle express one or more of the three isoforms (neuronal, inductible, endothelial) of NO synthases. Recently, a mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase has been isolated. A complexity of NO synthase exists with distinct domains and multitude of cofactors. NO synthases are able to produce not only NO but also superoxide O2-. (uncoupled reaction). These two products can react together extremely rapidly to form the potent oxidant peroxynitrite. The formation of peroxynitrite has been implicated in the pathology of a large number of conditions involving oxidative stress such as atherosclerosis and heart failure.
Vergely
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Laboratoire de physiopathologie et pharmacologie cardiovasculaires expérimentales, facultés de médecine et de pharmacie, 7, boulevard Jeanne d'Arc, BP 87900, 21079 Dijon, France.
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D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*
D005609:Free Radicals; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase