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Nitric oxide signaling in the brain: translation of dynamics into respiration control and neurovascular coupling
Author(s) -
Laranjinha João,
Santos Ricardo M.,
Lourenço Cátia F.,
Ledo Ana,
Barbosa Rui M.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06582.x
Subject(s) - glutamatergic , nitric oxide , neuroscience , in vivo , dynamics (music) , chemistry , stimulus (psychology) , signal transduction , glutamate receptor , biophysics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , psychology , biochemistry , endocrinology , receptor , pedagogy , psychotherapist
The understanding of the unorthodox actions of neuronal‐derived nitric oxide ( • NO) in the brain has been constrained by uncertainties regarding its quantitative profile of change in time and space. As a diffusible intercellular messenger, conveying information associated with its concentration dynamics, both the synthesis via glutamate stimulus and inactivation pathways determine the profile of • NO concentration change. In vivo studies, encompassing the real‐time measurement of • NO concentration dynamics have allowed us to gain quantitative insights into the mechanisms inherent to • NO‐mediated signaling pathways. It has been of particular interest to study the diffusion properties and half‐life, the interplay between • NO and O 2 and the ensuing functional consequences for regulation of O 2 consumption, the role of vasculature in shaping • NO signals in vivo, and the mechanisms that are responsible for • NO to achieve the coupling between glutamatergic neuronal activation and local microcirculation.