Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous mediator with diverse functions. It is generated from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase, a remarkable regulatory molecule and an enzyme that occurs in endothelial, neuronal and inducible isoforms. In this review, we concentrate on general aspects of NO, especially recent evidence that it can act as a circulating as well as a local mediator, plays an important role in various physiological and pathophysiological functions and conclude with a brief consideration of the therapeutic potential of nitric oxide
