NITRIC-OXIDE - AN OVERVIEW

Nitric oxide (NO), a paracrine-acting gas enzymatically synthesized fr om L-arginine, is a unique biologic mediator that has been implicated in a myriad of physiologic and pathophysiologic states. It is an impor tant regulator of vascular tone and may be the mediator of the hemodyn amic changes involved in sepsis and cirrhosis. In addition, there is i ncreasing evidence that NO is involved in coagulation, immune function , inhibitory innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, protection of gastrointestinal mucosa, and the hepatotoxicity of cirrhosis. It has a lready been speculated that NO may represent a point of control or int ervention in a number of disease states. The purpose of this paper is to provide the surgeon with a broad overview of the scientific and cli nical aspects of this important molecule.