What is Nitric Oxide (NO) – Physiology
Nitric Oxide is a small, gaseous molecule that plays an important role in several physiological processes in the body. It is a free radical, which means it has an unpaired electron, and it is highly reactive.
The Physiology of Nitric Oxide Explained
Nitric Oxide is synthesized in the body by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, which converts the amino acid L-arginine into Nitric Oxide and L-citrulline. It’s a short-lived molecule and doesn’t stay around for very long, but it is constantly being produced by our cells.
In the cardiovascular system, Nitric Oxide is crucial for regulating blood pressure and flow. It does this by relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels, allowing them to dilate, or become wider. This is why Nitric Oxide is often associated with improved circulation and is the reason why drugs like nitroglycerin (used for angina and heart failure) and sildenafil (used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension) work, as they influence Nitric Oxide pathways to increase blood flow.
Nitric Oxide In The Immune System
In the immune system, Nitric Oxide helps fight off pathogens and foreign bodies. Some immune cells produce Nitric Oxide to help kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
In the nervous system, Nitric Oxide acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in many neural processes including neurogenesis, neural plasticity, and neural defense mechanisms.
