Where Is Nitric Oxide Synthesized?

Nitric oxide is mediated in mammals by the calcium-calmodulin controlled isoenzymes eNOS (endothelial NOS) and nNOS (neuronal NOS). … NOS catalyzes the reaction: 2 L-arginine + 3 NADPH + 3 H⁺ + 4 O₂.

What causes nitric oxide production?

Nitric oxide is made by the blood vessels’ lining, or endothelium. The endothelium is exquisitely sensitive to the physical and chemical conditions inside our blood vessels. When the endothelium senses heart-healthy conditions, such as physical activity and low cholesterol, it releases more nitric oxide.

How is nitric oxide formed from arginine?

Neuronal NOS

The synthesis of NO by nitric oxide synthases takes place by conversion of l-arginine to l-citrulline via the formation of N^G-hydroxy-l-arginine (Fig. 5). Therefore, NOS utilize l-arginine, NADPH and oxygen to produce nitric oxide.