Nitric oxide: a pathogenetic factor in autoimmunity

Nitric oxide (NO) has been identified recently as a multifunctional mediator, produced by, and acting on, most cells of the body. Besides its function as endothelium-derived relaxing factor, as a neurotransmitter and as an immune defence molecule, evidence is accumulating that NO participates in inflammatory- and autoimmune-mediated tissue destruction. Modulation of NO synthesis and action represents a new approach to the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.