Role of nitric oxide in the biology, physiology and pathophysiology of reproduction
M Rosselli
1998
Human Reproduction Update
Following its benchmark discovery, nitric oxide (NO) is now known to play important functional roles in a variety of physiological systems. Within the vasculature, NO induces vasodilation, inhibits platelet aggregation, prevents neutrophil/platelet adhesion to endothelial cells, inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, regulates programmed cell death (apoptosis) and maintains endothelial cell barrier function. NO generated by neurons acts as a neurotransmitter, whereas NO
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... ed by macrophages in response to invading microbes acts as an antimicrobial agent. Because neurons, blood vessels and cells of the immune system are integral parts of the reproductive organs, and in view of the important functional role that NO plays in those systems, it is likely that NO is an important regulator of the biology and physiology of the reproductive system. Indeed, in the past 10 years, NO has established itself as a polyvalent molecule which plays a decisive role in regulating multiple functions within the female as well as the male reproductive system. This review provides an overview of the role of NO in various reproductive organs under physiological and pathological conditions. Key words: nitric oxide/pathophysiology/physiology/ reproductive system/steroidogenesis Nitric oxide synthesis and mechanism of action History In 1916, Mitchell et al. observed that oxides of nitrogen were produced in mammals. In 1928, Tannenbaum et al. confirmed that mammals produce nitrogen oxide. Five decades later, Furchgott and Zawadski (1980) provided evidence that acetylcholine-induced relaxation of vascular rings was mediated by a non-prostanoid, endothelium-dependent relaxing factor (EDRF). Then in 1985, Stuehr and Marletta reported that activated macrophages synthesize nitrite/nitrate. In 1987, Hibbs et al. suggested that L-arginine was the substrate for murine-derived nitrite/nitrate. Independently, Palmer et al. (1987) and Ignarro et al. (1987) provided evidence that EDRF is nitric oxide (NO). One year later, Palmer et al. (1988) reported that NO is synthesized from L-arginine, and Marletta et al. (1988) reported that macrophages generate nitrite and nitrate from L-arginine. Garthwaite et al. (1988) also provided evidence for the presence and synthesis of NO in brain. During the period from 1988 to 1992, research on the biology and functions of NO escalated, and then in 1992, 'NO was named 'Molecule of the Year' by D.E.Koshland, Jr., Editor for Science. NO synthesis NO is synthesized from L-arginine by the action of NO synthase (NOS), an enzyme existing in three isoforms. Brain NOS (bNOS) or neuronal NOS (nNOS or NOS1) and endothelial NOS (eNOS or NOS3), also referred to as constitutive NOS (cNOS), are responsible for the continuous basal release of NO and both require calcium/calmodulin for activation (Griffith and Stuehr
doi:10.1093/humupd/4.1.3
pmid:9622410
fatcat:tuycdzr2sndrjamd22ekt3vdsy