Nitric oxide, health and disease

Abstract

Nitric oxide is a gaseous substance which possesses many important physiological characteristics ranging from its action as a natural immune mechanism to endothelial control of blood pressure. However, it can also generate nitrogen reactive species (peroxynitrite and others), which are involved as a cause of or a consequence of many diseases. This article updates and summarizes the physiological and pathophysiological roles of nitric oxide.