Nitric Oxide and Oxidative Damage in the CNS

摘要: NO is synthesized by a family of enzymes known collectively as synthases that catalyze the reaction L-arginine with molecular oxygen to form and L-citrulline. The can be divided into 2 main groups: a) constitutive isoforms are continuously expressed b) inducible isoforms, de novo synthesis which stimulated cytokines or bacterial-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acting alone in synergy (Nathan, 1992; Moncada et al., 1991). Although all same basic reaction, they structurally and, certain extent, functionally distinct encoded separate genes 1992). Several important differences exist between terms requirement Ca2+ for enzyme activation, cellular localization, perhaps most importantly context this chapter, actual amount generated. These differences, discussed below, have considerable implications both NO-dependent toxicity development synthase inhibitors efficacious cytoprotective drugs.