Role of nitric oxide in the regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission

Data accumulated in the last decade indicate that nitric oxide (NO) participates in the regulation of neurotransmission in the central nervous system. Due to its physicochemical properties, NO is an ideal mediator of nonsynaptic interactions. The importance of monoaminergic systems in the function of the brain is clearly shown by the number of severe neuropsychiatric diseases (e.g. depression, Parkinson's disease) caused by the impairment of monoaminergic neurotransmission. Because of their neuroanatomical characteristic, monoaminergic systems participate mainly in nonsynaptic interactions. Since NO is a potential nonsynaptic modulator, it may have an important role in the regulation of monoaminergic systems. The aim of the present review is to survey the literature on the effect of NO on dopaminergic, noradrenergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. The potential mechanisms of action are summarized. Since there is no agreement in the literature on the nature of the effect of NO exerted on monoaminergic neurotransmission, and there are contradictory data concerning the mechanisms involved, the possible reasons for this unusual inconsistency are also discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.