Nitric oxide (NO) has been discovered to play a fundamental role in a number of biological phenomena. This book describes various aspects of nitric oxide biology, physiology and pharmacology. It is divided into three sections. The first part deals with the basic chemistry and enzymology of NO, thus laying a molecular basis for what follows. The middle part surveys the physiological roles of NO under normal conditions. The concluding part explores the relevance of NO to disease, both as a pathogenic factor and a therapeutic target. The book thus provides detailed information on NO biology to the reader unfamiliar with the field and represents a reference work for scientists working in an NO-related field of biomedical research. Each chapter, written by experts in their fields, gives a broad introduction followed by a comprehensive review of the current knowledge and a detailed reference list.

Section I: Chemistry

1 The Chemical Biology of Nitric Oxide. Balancing Nitric Oxide with Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress
Section II: Biochemistry and Pharmacology of NO Synthesis and Action
2 Enzymology of Nitric Oxide Synthases
3 Regulation of Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Activity
4 Enzymology of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase
5 Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors I: Substrate Analogs and Heme Ligands
6 Nitric-Oxide-Synthase Inhibitors II - Pterin Antagonists/ Anti-Pterins
7 Mechanisms of Cellular Resistance Against Nitric Oxide
Section III: Physiological Functions of NO
8 Nitric Oxide and Regulation of Vascular Tone
9 Regulation of Cardiac Function by Nitric Oxide
10 Regulation of Platelet Function
11 The Physiological Roles of Nitric Oxide in the Central Nervous System
12 The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Peripheral Nervous System
13 Nitric Oxide and Neuroendocrine Function
14 The Role of Nitric Oxide in Kidney Function
Section IV: The Role of Pharmacological Action of NO in Human Disease
15 Therapeutic Importance of Nitrovasodilators
16 Therapeutic Potential of NOS Inhibitors in Septic Shock
17 Inhalation Therapy with Nitric Oxide Gas
18 The Function of Nitric Oxide in the Immune System
19 Nitric Oxide: A True Inflammatory Mediator
20 Nitric Oxide in the Immunopathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes
21 The Role of Nitric Oxide in Cardiac Ischaemia-Reperfusion
22 Nitric Oxide and Atherosclerosis
23 Nitric Oxide in Brain Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
24 Therapeutic Potential of Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Manipulation.