Nitric oxide as a vascular modulator

Nitric oxide is a simple diatomic molecule that is involved in a wide variety of physiologic processes in the vasculature. Nitric oxide is an important determinant of vascular tone, regulates endothelial integrity, and modulates platelet-vessel wall interactions. Dysregulation of nitric oxide production has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of vascular diseases including essential hypertension, atherosclerosis, and reperfusion injury. This review will focus on the biochemistry, physiology, and pathobiology of nitric oxide with regard to its role in the vasculature.