Nitric oxide in vascular biology

Nitric oxide is a highly versatile heterodiatomic molecule that effects a variety of actions in the vasculture. Originally identified as a principal determinant of vascular tone, nitric oxide has since been recognized to exert antithrombotic, anti proliferative, and anti-inflammatory effects in the vasculture. At higher concentrations and in the setting of other oxidants, nitric oxide can promote vascular pathology. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of nitric oxide's actions in vascular biology and pathology.