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Related Concept Videos

Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway01:28

Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway

Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure to...
Paracrine Signaling01:21

Paracrine Signaling

Paracrine signaling allows cells to communicate with their immediate neighbors via secretion of signaling molecules. Such a signal can only trigger a response in nearby target cells because the signal molecules degrade quickly or are inactivated if not taken up. Prominent examples of paracrine signaling include nitric oxide signaling in blood vessels, synaptic signaling of neurons, the blood clotting system, tissue repair/wound healing, and local allergic skin reactions. Nitric oxide as a...
Parasympathetic Signaling01:30

Parasympathetic Signaling

Parasympathetic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. It involves the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by parasympathetic neurons, which can have localized and short-lived effects. The majority of ACh released is rapidly inactivated at the synapse by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes Ach into choline and acetate. Additionally, the tissue cholinesterase deactivates any ACh diffusing into the surrounding tissues.
The effects of...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles01:29

Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles

The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.
Types of Signaling Molecules01:32

Types of Signaling Molecules

In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...
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Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators

Vasodilators, primarily affecting the smooth muscles within arterial and venous walls, are commonly used for hypertension treatment. Medications such as minoxidil and hydralazine primarily target arteries and arterioles, while sodium nitroprusside acts on arterioles and venules. Minoxidil, functioning as a prodrug, is metabolized by hepatic sulfotransferase into its active form, minoxidil sulfate, after oral administration. This metabolite binds to the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) component of...

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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
08:23

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds

Published on: February 16, 2022

Relaxin and nitric oxide signalling.

M C Baccari1, D Bani

  • 1Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Italy. mcaterina.baccari@unifi.it

Current Protein & Peptide Science
|December 17, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Relaxin (RLX) activates the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, influencing NO production in various tissues. This mechanism highlights RLX

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Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
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Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells

Published on: March 16, 2017

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
11:28

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity

Published on: June 18, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds
08:23

Chemiluminescence-based Assays for Detection of Nitric Oxide and its Derivatives from Autoxidation and Nitrosated Compounds

Published on: February 16, 2022

Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells
08:32

Application of Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Nitric Oxide (NO•) Probes, the geNOps, for Real-time Imaging of NO• Signals in Single Cells

Published on: March 16, 2017

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
11:28

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity

Published on: June 18, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Relaxin (RLX) is a peptide hormone with diverse functions in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues.
  • The nitric oxide (NO) pathway is a key intracellular signaling system involved in RLX's molecular mechanism.
  • Altered NO production is implicated in various pathological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the pathophysiological actions of relaxin.
  • To focus on RLX's ability to activate the endogenous NO pathway.
  • To discuss RLX's role in reproductive and non-reproductive target organs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on relaxin and nitric oxide.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms involving NO synthase (NOS) expression.
  • Examination of RLX's effects across different cell types.

Main Results:

  • Relaxin up-regulates NO biosynthesis by increasing NOS expression.
  • The specific NOS isoforms affected by RLX vary depending on the cell type.
  • RLX's influence on NO production is a significant aspect of its physiological and potential therapeutic roles.

Conclusions:

  • Relaxin's activation of the NO pathway is a critical mechanism underlying its actions.
  • RLX holds potential as a therapeutic agent for diseases with impaired NO production.
  • Understanding RLX-NO interactions is crucial for both physiological and clinical applications.