Nitric oxide synthase: Role as a transmitter/mediator in the brain and endocrine system

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

132 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nitric oxide is a unique biological messenger molecule. It is produced by endothelial cells to mediate blood vessel relaxation; it mediates, in part, the immune functions of activated macrophages; and in the central and peripheral nervous system it serves as a neurotransmitter. In the nervous system, nitric oxide may regulate neurotransmitter release, it may play a key role in synaptic plasticity and morphogenesis, and it may regulate sexual and aggressive behavior. Under conditions of excessive formation, nitric oxide is emerging as an important neurotoxin.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)219-227
Number of pages9
JournalAnnual review of medicine
Volume47
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

Keywords

  • Endothelium-derived relaxing factor
  • Long-term potentiation
  • NADPH diaphorase
  • Neurotoxicity
  • Poly-ADP-ribose synthetase

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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