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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...
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers01:16

Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers

In cardiovascular health, antianginal drugs combat angina pectoris — a condition marked by chest pain owing to diminished blood flow to the heart.
Organic nitrates,  such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators01:23

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...
Regulation of the Cardiovascular System01:27

Regulation of the Cardiovascular System

The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors01:27

Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are cell-surface receptors acting as an enzyme or associating with an enzyme intracellularly. They make excellent drug targets. Drugs can bind to the extracellular ligand-binding domain or directly affect their enzymatic domain and alter their activity.
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
08:58

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries

Published on: February 25, 2016

Nitric oxide synthases in the cardiovascular system.

U Förstermann1, J S Pollock, M Nakane

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany.

Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|January 20, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Nitric oxide (NO) is a crucial signaling molecule found in various cells, acting as a vasodilator and inhibiting platelet aggregation. It also exhibits cytostatic effects against pathogens and tumor cells at higher concentrations.

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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

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

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
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En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries

Published on: February 25, 2016

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

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

Published on: February 16, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) was identified as the endothelium-derived relaxing factor responsible for endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
  • NO is synthesized in diverse cell types, including neurons, nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) nerves, epithelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of nitric oxide (NO) in physiological and pathological processes.
  • To explore NO's functions as an intercellular messenger, neurotransmitter, and effector molecule.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on nitric oxide.
  • Analysis of NO's biochemical pathways and cellular targets, including soluble guanylyl cyclase.
  • Examination of NO's involvement in vascular, neuronal, and immune functions.

Main Results:

  • NO acts as a vasodilator, inhibits platelet aggregation and adhesion, and prevents leukocyte adhesion.
  • NO modulates synaptic plasticity in the brain and functions as an atypical neurotransmitter in peripheral nerves.
  • At high concentrations, NO exhibits cytostatic effects on microorganisms and tumor cells.
  • Induced NO synthesis in sepsis contributes to massive vasodilation and shock.

Conclusions:

  • Nitric oxide is a versatile molecule with critical roles in vasodilation, neurotransmission, immune response, and cell proliferation.
  • Understanding NO's diverse functions is essential for developing therapeutic strategies for various diseases, including sepsis and cancer.