
Nitric oxide Functions
Nitric oxide is a gas. It is highly reactive; that is, it participates in many chemical reactions. (It is one of the nitrogen oxides ("NOx") in automobile exhaust and plays a major role in the formation of photochemical smog [Link].)
But NO also has many physiological functions.
They share these features:
NO relaxes the smooth muscle in the walls of the arterioles. At each systole, the endothelial cells that line the blood vessels release a puff of NO. This diffuses into the underlying smooth muscle cells causing them to relax and thus permit the surge of blood to pass through easily. Mice whose genes for the NO synthase found in endothelial cells has been "knocked out" suffer from hypertension.
Three of the pioneers in working out the biological roles of NO shared a Nobel Prize in 1998 for their discoveries. The award to one of them, Ferid Murad, honored his discovery that nitroglycerine works by releasing NO. This seems particularly appropriate because Alfred Nobel's fortune came from his invention of making dynamite from nitroglycerine!
Release of NO around the glomeruli of the kidneys increases blood flow through them thus increasing the rate of filtration and urine formation.
The erection of the penis during sexual excitation is mediated by NO released from nerve endings close to the blood vessels of the penis. Relaxation of these vessels causes blood to pool in the blood sinuses producing an erection.
Three popular prescription drugsRecent evidence suggests that NO's job in reproduction is not finished with producing an erection. At the moment of contact, release of NO by the acrosome of the sperm activates the egg to complete meiosis II and the other steps of fertilization.
The wavelike motions of the gastrointestinal tract are aided by the relaxing effect of NO on the smooth muscle in its walls. NO also inhibits the contractility of the smooth muscle wall of the uterus. As the moment of birth approaches, the production of NO decreases.Nitroglycerine has helped some women who were at risk of giving birth prematurely to carry their baby to full term.
The NO produced by eNOS (NOS-3) inhibits inflammation in blood vessels. It does this by blocking the exocytosis of mediators of inflammation from the endothelial cells.
NO may also block exocytosis in other types of cells such as macrophages and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL).
NO affects secretion from several endocrine glands.
For examples, it stimulates
Some motor neurons of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system release NO as their neurotransmitter. The actions of NO on penile erection and peristalsis are probably mediated by these nerves.In severe deoxygenation, NO-sensitive cells in the medulla oblongata respond to this release by increasing the rate and depth of breathing.
You might also like



Nitric Oxide Booster And L-Arginine Supplement 120 Capsules - Best NO2 For Enhanced Strength + Endurance + Maximum Muscle, Reduces Fatigue, Increases Energy And Recovery Rate Or Your Money Back - Made In USA, GMP, Consistent Quality - Nutriment Edge Health and Beauty (Nutriment Edge)
|
Nitric Oxide Supplements- Club Pump, 90 Capsules, NO2 Muscle Builder, #1 Muscle Pump Supplement,Show Your Muscle In Da Club, L-Arginine Supplement, After Hours Male Enhancement Supplement , Libido Booster, Boodt Male Performance, Muscle Pumps, Made in USA Health and Beauty (Healthy Body)
|
![]() |
Rich Piana 5% Nutrition Kill It (Fruit Punch) Health and Beauty (5% Nutrition)
|
![]() |
No2 Xtreme / Extreme 2000 L-arginine, Nitric Oxide-build Muscle 90 Capsules *New Health and Beauty (MARITZMAYER LABORATORIES)
|
![]() |
2 lb. L-Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate 2:1 AKG Powder 1000mg (908g) AAKG Nitric Oxide USP & FCC Maximum Strength Pharmaceutical Grade By Dual Health Health and Beauty (Dual Health Body & Mind)
|