AUTOREGULATION-NITRIC OXIDE (NO) FUNCTIONS

SUMMARY

1. Flow-induced dilation of large arteries by locally produced NO.

2. Plt aggregation releases NO, keeping vessels with intact endothelium patent.

3. Tonic release of NO is necessary to maintain normal BP.

4. Vascular remodelling and angiogenesis.

5. Pathogenesis of arthresclerosis.

6. Penile erection.

7. Important for brain function (acting via cGMP).

8. Important for cytotoxic activity of macrophages, including their ability to kill cancer cells.

9. In GIT, NO causes smooth muscle relaxation.

Reference(s)

Barrett, K.E., Barman, S.M., Brooks, H.L., X, J. and Ganong, W.F. (2019). Ganong’s review of medical physiology. 26th ed. New York: Mcgraw-Hill Education