NOS1/nNOS [MD326]

Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) are a family of enzymes catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO) from L-arginine, oxygen, and cofactors. NO is an important cellular signaling molecule. It helps modulate vascular tone, insulin secretion, airway tone, and peristalsis, and is involved in angiogenesis and neural development. It may function as a retrograde neurotransmitter. Three family members have been characterized: neuronal NOS (nNOS or NOS1), which is found primarily in neuronal tissue; inducible NOS (iNOS or NOS2), which is induced by interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharides in the kidney and cardiovascular system; and endothelial NOS (eNOS or NOS3), which is expressed in blood vessels. NO is a messenger molecule with diverse functions throughout the body, including the maintenance of vascular integrity, homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation, learning, and memory.