Section Links

• cells and molecules home
• carbohydrates
• proteins
• fats
• vitamins
• minerals
• electrolytes
• water
• nucleic acids
• gases

Nitric Oxide

 

• Expression
• Function
• Interactions and Signalling
• Role in Disease
• Structure
• Gene and Processing

Expression

 

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized from arginine by endothelial cells in response to shear stress, bradykinin, and ACh. This causes calcium increase and nitric oxide synthase activation.

 

It is also relased from macrophages and neurons.

 

 

Functions

Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator, acting on guanylyl cyclase to produce cGMP. This in turn induces SMC relaxation

 

• reduces platelet aggregation (really? make sure...)

NO also acts via cGMP to inhibit ENaC channels in the kidney collecting duct, leading to natriuresis.

 

Interactions and Signalling

 

• activates guanylyl cyclase. cGMP leads to dephosphorylation of MLCK

Role in Disease

• if any

Structure

• template

Gene and Processing

• PubMed ref: here
• other info