Current trends in the development of nitric oxide donors

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important messenger molecule involved in many patho logical and physiological processes within the mammalian body. Exogenous NO sources constitute a powerful way to supplement NO when the body can not g enerate enough for normal biological functions. In this article, general as pects on NO and NO donors are reviewed. Major focus is placed on recent dev elopments of novel NO donors, NO releasing device(s) as well as innovative improvements to current NO donors. Finally, an outlook on future NO donor d evelopment is provided.