NITRIC OXIDE
\nˈa͡ɪtɹɪk ˈɒksa͡ɪd], \nˈaɪtɹɪk ˈɒksaɪd], \n_ˈaɪ_t_ɹ_ɪ_k ˈɒ_k_s_aɪ_d]\
Definitions of NITRIC OXIDE
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A free radical gas produced endogenously by a variety of mammalian cells. It is synthesized from arginine by a complex reaction, catalyzed by NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE. Nitric oxide is endothelium-derived relaxing factor. It is released by the vascular endothelium and mediates the relaxation induced by some vasodilators such as acetylcholine and bradykinin. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide activates cytosolic guanylate cyclase and thus elevates intracellular levels of cyclic GMP.
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