Role of nitric oxide in the control of pancreatic secretion

The L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway plays a key role in a number of biologi cal processes within most organs and systems. Recently, evidence was provid ed that NO acts as neurotransmitter in the stomach, gut and pancreas. L-Arg inine, which is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, stimulates the relea se of pancreatic islet hormones but the mechanism of this stimulation is un known. In this review we examine the role of NO in the exocrine and endocri ne functions of the pancreas.