Definition for Nitric oxide
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Nitric oxide is a molecule that plays a crucial role in vascular disease. It has a number of actions that lead to relaxation of blood vessels, regeneration of the endothelium (the inner lining of arteries), and inhibition of platelet clumping which makes the blood thinner. The role of nitric oxide in vascular disease has been investigated over the past two decades and scientists have discovered that this molecule is involved in many cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and thickening of the endothelium. In addition, nitric oxide has been used as a therapeutic tool to treat diseases that range from recurrent narrowing of arteries to inhibiting clotting events. Many commonly used medications have their therapeutic actions through the production of nitric oxide.