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Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology

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Endothelial Signaling in Development and Disease

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by three NO synthase (NOS) isoforms: neuronal NOS (nNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS). Under physiological conditions, vascular NO is produced by eNOS and nNOS, with both playing atheroprotective roles. Under pathological conditions, iNOS can be induced and eNOS may become uncoupled. iNOS produces a large amount of NO, induces vascular dysfunction, and promotes atherogenesis. Uncoupled eNOS generates superoxide instead of NO and contributes significantly to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis. Major mechanisms of eNOS uncoupling include depletion of tetrahydrobiopterin, an essential co-factor for the eNOS enzyme, and deficiency of L-arginine, the eNOS substrate. Reversal of eNOS uncoupling may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Obere Zahlbacher St. 67, 55131, Mainz, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Huige Li MD, PhD, Ning Xia MD & Ulrich Förstermann MD, PhD

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  1. Prof. Dr. Huige Li MD, PhD
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  2. Ning Xia MD
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  3. Ulrich Förstermann MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Huige Li MD, PhD .

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  1. Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology Building 708, 2.Floor, R2.006, Johannes Gutenberg University School of Medicine, Mainz, Germany

    Mirko HH Schmidt

  2. Institute of Neurology Building 89, 4.Floor, R402, Goethe University Frankfurt School of Medicine, Frankfurt, Germany

    Stefan Liebner

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Li, H., Xia, N., Förstermann, U. (2015). Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology. In: Schmidt, M., Liebner, S. (eds) Endothelial Signaling in Development and Disease. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2907-8_16

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