ABSTRACT
Nitric oxide is an important signaling and effector molecule that has been im plicated in many biological processes. Its remarkable nature (small size, mem brane permeability, short half-life, biological reactivity) has prompted many stud ies into its role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the kidney (reviews: 1-4). NO is involved in the maintenance of basal vascular tone, in renal and glom erular hemodynamics, and in the tubuloglomerular feedback response. It inhib its contraction and proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells. In this chapter we review the impact of NO on the renin-angiotensin system and its role in the cel lular response to transient hypoxia. We also briefly discuss hypertension and the involvement of osteopontin in renal homeostasis and pathology.
