Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical gas that is synthesized from L- arginine (L-Arg) by NO synthase (NOS). Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), non-NMDA or metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) causes NO formation through NOS activation. We propose that there may be two pathways for NO production; NOS-dependent and independent pathways. Activation of NMDA receptors results in an increase in NO production via the NOS-dependent pathway whereas activation of non-NMDA receptors or mGluR may produce NO through not only the NOS-dependent pathway but also an NOS-independent pathway. Furthermore, it is suggested that glial cells may play a role in modulating NO production by regulating L-Arg availability.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 601-605 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 09-1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacology (medical)