ROLE OF NITRIC-OXIDE IN THE BIOLOGY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION

Following its benchmark discovery, nitric oxide (NO) is now known to p lay important functional roles in a variety of physiological systems. Within the vasculature, NO induces vasodilation, inhibits platelet agg regation, prevents neutrophil/platelet adhesion to endothelial cells, inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, regulates pro grammed cell death (apoptosis) and maintains endothelial cell barrier function, NO generated by neurons acts as a neurotransmitter, whereas NO generated by macrophages in response to invading microbes acts as a n antimicrobial agent. Because neurons, blood vessels and cells of the immune system are integral parts of the reproductive organs, and in v iew of the important functional role that NO plays in those systems, i t is likely that NO is an important regulator of the biology and physi ology of the reproductive system, Indeed, in the past 10 years, NO has established itself as a polyvalent molecule which plays a decisive ro le in regulating multiple functions within the female as well as the m ale reproductive system. This review provides an overview of the role of NO in various reproductive organs under physiological and pathologi cal conditions.