ABSTRACT
Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is a major cardiovascular and renoprotective molecule. NO is a labile free radical gas that is generated continuously and on demand and functions as an endogenous mediator in the control of systemic and microvascular tone, the glomerular microcirculation, renal sodium excretion, and inflammatory and growth responses in the vasculature and kidney. Some of the most important effects that NO exerts in the vascular wall are potentially vasoprotective, because these effects maintain important physiological functions such as vasodilatation, anticoagulation, leukocyte adhesion, smooth muscle proliferation, and antioxidative capacity.1 The link between NO and cardiovascular and renal health is likely due to the pleiotropic effects of NO on the vascular wall.
