Modulation of nitric oxide production in vivo in the brain

Kiyofumi Yamada, Toshitaka Nabeshima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)601-605
Number of pages5
JournalMethods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology
Volume20
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09-1998
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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