[The role of nitric oxide in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy]

Nitric oxide (NO) has three import cut functions: maintenance of blood pressure, defence of the body against micro-organisms and tumor cells and neurotransmission. The role of NO in neonatal brain, particularly during hypoxia and ischemia has been studied in animal models of focal ischemia. Selective NO inhibitors which are how used in animal experiments are not appropriate for human studies. New studies regarding the production of NO following ischemia will be needed in newborns, together with the development of selective NO inhibitors and neuroprotective agents.