Elsevier

Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Volume 38, Issue 2, September–October 1995, Pages 87-104
Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases

Nitric oxide and its role in the cardiovascular system

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0033-0620(05)80001-5Get rights and content
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Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous, naturally occurring molecule found in a variety of cell types and organ systems. In the cardiovascular system, NO is an important determinant of basal vascular tone, prevents platelet activation, limits leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium, and regulates myocardial contractility. NO may also play a role in the pathogenesis of common cardiovascular disorders, including hypotension accompanying shock states, essential hypertension, and atherosclerosis. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry of NO and focus on its biology and pathophysiology in the cardiovascular system.

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