Nitric oxide and multiple sclerosis

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2005 May;5(3):232-8. doi: 10.1007/s11910-005-0051-y.

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical signaling molecule with remarkably complex biochemistry. Its involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS) had been postulated soon after the discovery of the critical role NO plays in inflammation. However, the extent of NO's contribution to MS is not yet understood, party due to the often opposing roles that NO can play in cellular processes. This review briefly covers new developments in the area of NO that may be relevant to MS. It also describes recent progress in understanding the role of NO in MS, new potential targets of the action of NO in the cell, and prospects for NO-based therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / enzymology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy
  • Neurons / enzymology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism
  • Oligodendroglia / enzymology
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Stem Cells / physiology

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase