Role of nitric oxide in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis: Currently regarded as a multifactorial disease, atheroscle rosis involves several factor including: oxidized LDL, endothelial cells, m acrophages, imune cells, vascular smooth muscle cells. The endothelium appe ars to play a key role through the production of vasomotor, antiaggregate a nd leukocyte antiadhesion molecules. Nitric oxide: NO is one of the most important mediators of endothelial anti atherothrombotic functions. Loss of endothelial production, called "endothe lial dysfunction", i.e. loss of endothelial vasorelaxing, antiaggregate and keukocyte antiadhesion properties, could lead to increased fatty streak fo rmation and acute arterial events (thrombus formation, vascular spasm). Animal experiments: Although animal models strongly suggest a major role fo r NO in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, human studies with nitrates have been disappointing to date. The local effect of NO is probably closel y adapted to local conditions. Therefore, massive delivery of NO as is achi eved with nitrates could not repair endothelial dysfunction.