[Neurodegeneration and nitric oxide]

NO appears to play a significant role in the physiological processes of many of the body's systems. This review examines the present molecular, physiological and pathological knowledge related to NO and its clinical implications. The role of NO in pathophysiology of diseases is not yet fully elucidated. It is still unclear whether alterations in NO production, release and degradation are primary events in pathological processes. The presented work deals with neurodestructive and neuroprotective effects of NO. The hypothesis suggests that under physiological conditions NO acts as a neuronal messenger molecule. In pathological conditions, with excessive NO release, NO may function as a cytotoxic molecule being involved in several neurodegenerative processes. The most important issue associated with NO research will be to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of NO action. (Fig. 2, Ref. 32.)