The dual role of nitric oxide in islet beta-cells

In pancreatic islets, nitric oxide (NO) produced on exposure to cytokines m ediates beta-cell injury leading to diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, L -arginine-derived NO may participate in the signal transduction pathway of physiological insulin secretion. This review focuses on the dual role of NO as a mediator of physiological and pathophysiological processes in pancrea tic islets.