[Physiopathologic effects of nitric oxide and their relationship with oxidative stress]

Nitric oxide (NO.) is produced from L-arginine, as result of a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The reaction is the sole source of NO. in animal tissues. NO. can control physiological processes (or systems) such as (a) blood pressure; (b) relaxation of arterial smooth muscle; (c) platelet aggregation and adhesion; (d) neurotransmission; (e) neuroendocrine secretion. NO. contributes to the killing of pathogenic microorganisms and tumoral cells by phagocytes. NO. reacts with superoxide anion thus producing peroxynitrite, a cytotoxic ion capable of destroying many biological targets. The superoxide/peroxinitrite balance determines the ONOO- production and, accordingly, is essential for the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and cancer.