Nitric Oxide Assay Kit (Colorimetric)

Supplementary info

Activity summary

Nitric oxide (NO) is a small diatomic molecule with a mass of 30.01 Da. It plays a significant mechanical role as a signaling molecule in numerous systems. Nitric oxide is synthesized by nitric oxide synthases (NOS) and is expressed in endothelial cells neurons and various immune cells. Its production occurs in response to mechanical shear stress calcium influx or immunological stimulation. Nitric oxide exhibits high diffusibility enabling it to cross cellular membranes easily which is key for its function as a signaling messenger.

Biological function summary

Nitric oxide mediates vasodilation neurotransmission and immune response modulation. It is important for maintaining vascular homeostasis where it relaxes smooth muscle tissue promoting blood flow. In the central nervous system nitric oxide acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator influencing synaptic plasticity. Within the immune system it functions to regulate leukocyte adhesion and can mediate microbial destruction. Nitric oxide often works within complexes associating with proteins like guanylate cyclase enhancing its signaling efficacy through nitrosylation.

Pathways

Nitric oxide integrates into key biological processes such as the nitric oxide signaling pathway and the endothelial nitric oxide pathway. It activates soluble guanylate cyclase increasing cyclic GMP levels leading to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. In the endothelial pathway nitric oxide links with other proteins like endothelium-derived relaxing factor and interacts with oxidative stress pathways showing its role in cellular defense mechanisms. These pathways manage critical physiological responses and connect nitric oxide to other cardiovascular regulators.

Associated diseases and disorders

Nitric oxide dysregulation associates with conditions like cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. A deficiency or excess production can contribute to hypertension or atherosclerosis given its role in vascular health. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease also show links to nitric oxide largely due to its involvement in neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunctions. It interacts with proteins like amyloid-beta precursor protein and tau in these contexts highlighting its importance in pathology and therapeutic targets.