Nitric oxide: a molecule of the millennium.
Indian J Exp Biol
;
2000 Mar; 38(3): 201-10
Artigo
em Inglês
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-57202
ABSTRACT
Recognition of Nitric oxide (NO) as the chemical entity of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) has renewed the interest of the scientific community in the last decade. The outcome of research the world over is that the dreaded environmental pollutant is found to be a fundamental physiological mediator and effector. NO is synthesized endogenously by enzymes nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in specialized tissues from its precursor L-arginine. The L-arginine-NO biosynthetic pathway is involved in physiological processes such as vasodilation, memory, neuroprotection, peristalsis, penile erection, immune defense, various endocrine and exocrine secretions in various systems such as cardiovascular, CNS, reproductive and immune system. Small quantities of NO produced by constitutive enzymes mediate these physiological effects. The expression of inducible enzyme or overstimulation of constitutive enzymes leading to production of large quantities of NO is implicated in the cytotoxic effects observed in various disorders like AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's, arthritis etc. In conclusion, NO is a 'double edged sword' and the challenge before the scientific community is to develop strategies for using it to our advantage.
Texto completo:
DisponíveL
Índice:
IMSEAR (Sudeste Asiático)
Assunto principal:
Fosforilação
/
Fenômenos Fisiológicos Respiratórios
/
Ereção Peniana
/
Humanos
/
Masculino
/
Fenômenos Fisiológicos Cardiovasculares
/
Sistema Nervoso Central
/
Óxido Nítrico Sintase
/
Fenômenos Fisiológicos do Sistema Digestório
/
Imunidade
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Indian J Exp Biol
Ano de publicação:
2000
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
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