Nitric Oxide As a Unique Bioactive Signaling Messenger in Physiology and Pathophysiology
Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology • 2004:4 (2004) 227–237 • PII. S1110724304402034 • http://jbb.hindawi.com REVIEW ARTICLE Nitric Oxide as a Unique Bioactive Signaling Messenger in Physiology and Pathophysiology Narendra Tuteja,1∗ Mahesh Chandra,2 Renu Tuteja,1 and Mithilesh K. Misra3 1International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India 2Department of Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow 226003, India 3Department of Biochemistry, Lucknow University, Lucknow 226007, India Received 11 February 2004; revised 14 April 2004; accepted 21 April 2004 Dedicated to late Professor Padmanabhan Subbarao Krishnan (1914–1994) Founder Head of Biochemistry Department, Lucknow University Nitric oxide (NO) is an intra- and extracellular messenger that mediates diverse signaling pathways in target cells and is known to play an important role in many physiological processes including neuronal signaling, immune response, inflammatory response, modulation of ion channels, phagocytic defense mechanism, penile erection, and cardiovascular homeostasis and its decompensation in atherogenesis. Recent studies have also revealed a role for NO as signaling molecule in plant, as it activates various defense genes and acts as developmental regulator. In plants, NO can also be produced by nitrate reductase. NO can operate through posttranslational modification of proteins (nitrosylation). NO is also a causative agent in various pathophysiological abnormalities. One of the very important systems, the cardiovascular system, is affected by NO production, as this bioactive molecule is involved in the regulation of cardiovascular motor tone, modulation of myocardial contractivity, control of cell proliferation, and inhibition of platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion. The prime source of NO in the cardiovascular system is endothelial NO synthase, which is tightly regulated with respect to activity and localization.
[Show full text]