KIDNEY AND NITRIC-OXIDE

Nitric oxide (NO) pathway is involved in various physiological and pat hophysiological processes. NO is synthesised by NO synthase. Three iso forms, ecNOS, nNOS, iNOS have been identified to date, that are encode d by 3 distinct genes on chromosome 7, 12 and 17 respectively. L-argin ine is likely involved in the control of NO synthesis. In the kidney, NO regulates glomerular hemodynamics by modulating the ultrafiltration coefficient and afferent and efferent renal arteriolar resistance. NO is further involved in the pressure-natriuresis mechanism and in the tubuloglomerular feedback. Several physiopathological models have unde rlined the importance of the NO in arterial hypertension and in glomer ular inflammation.