[Nitrogen oxide and the cardiovascular system]

Brief description of the system L-arginine--nitrogen oxide (NO), of mechanisms of NO production and secretion by vessels endogelium. Discussion of the generalised regional NO effects on the cardio-vascular system role of NO in regulation of vessels tone and of blood circulation in different sections of the vascular flow, including microcirculation. Data on NO impact on endogelium-dependent vasodilatators, on the effect of activation of vessels ventilation, on the "heterogenic" nature of this function in different sections of the vascular system, in vessels of different diameter. Detailed discussion of the issue of acute and chronic increase of the systemic arterial blood pressure in response to NO inhibitors effect on NO-synthetase. Description of the specific features of "NO-deficit hypertension", role of low NO production as a major pathogenic factor of other forms of arterial hypertension, analysis of mechanisms of the relevant effects at the systemic, organic, cellular levels. Special emphasis on the role of NO in regulation of the coronary blood circulation in lungs and on other issues. Comparisons of the experimental and clinical observations on some aspects of the problem under discussion. Justification of the need for further research of the NO system in physiology and pathophysiology of the cardio-vascular system.