Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide (NO) has been discovered to play a fundamental role in a number of biological phenomena. This book describes various aspects of nitric oxide biology, physiology and pharmacology. It is divided into three sections. The first part deals with the basic chemistry and enzymology of NO, thus laying a molecular basis for what follows. The middle part surveys the physiological roles of NO under normal conditions. The concluding part explores the relevance of NO to disease, both as a pathogenic factor and a therapeutic target. The book thus provides detailed information on NO biology to the reader unfamiliar with the field and represents a reference work for scientists working in an NO-related field of biomedical research. Each chapter, written by experts in their fields, gives a broad introduction followed by a comprehensive review of the current knowledge and a detailed reference list.

Inhalt

Introduction: Discovery of Nitric Oxide (NO). Sect.I: Chemistry.-1. The Chemical Biology of NO. Balancing NO with Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress.- Sect.II: Biochemistry and Pharmacology of NO, Synthesis and Action.-2. Enzymology of NO Synthases.- 3. Regulation of NO Synthase Expression and Activity.- 4. Enzymology of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase.- 5. NO Synthase Inhibitors I: Substrate Analogs and Heme Ligands.- 6. NO Synthase Inhibitors II: Pterin Antagonists/ Anti-Pterins.- 7. Mechanisms of Cellular Resistance Against NO.- Sect. III: Physiological Functions of NO.- 8. NO and Regulation of Vascular Tone.- 9. Regulation of Cardiac Function by NO.- 10. Regulation of Platelet Function.- 11. The Physiological Role of NO in the Central Nervous System. 12. The Role of NO in the Peripheral Nervous System. 13. NO and Neuroendocrine Function.- 14. The Role of NO in Kidney Function. Section IV: The Role of Pharmacological Action of NO in Human Disease.- 15. Therapeutic Importance of Nitrovasodilators.- 16. Therapeutic Potential of NOS Inhibitors in Septic Shock.- 17. Inhalation Therapy with NO Gas.- 18. The Function of NO in the Immune System.- 19. NO: A True Inflammatory Mediator.- 20. NO in the Immunopathogenesis of Type-1 Diabetes.- 21. The Role of NO in Cardiac Ischemia--Reperfusion,- 22. NO and Atherosclerosis.- 23. NO in Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.- 24. Therapeutic Potential of NO Synthase Gene Manipulation.