The many faces of nitric oxide: cytotoxic, cytoprotective or both.
Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a major modulator of cellular function in health and disease. In addition to its well-known role as a mediator of smooth muscle relaxation, a rapidly developing body of research suggests, paradoxically, that NO can have both cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Choi et al. provide evidence that supports NO has a prosurvival effect on interstitial cells of Cajal in the mouse stomach. The objective of this short review is to place this interesting report in the context of the current literature.
Wiley
J W
JW
Department of Internal Medicine and General Clinical Research Center, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. jwiley@umich.edu
D000818:Animals; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000502:physiology*; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000378:metabolism*; D017615:Enteric Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D013270:Stomach / Q000294:innervation*
D003603:Cytotoxins; D009569:Nitric Oxide