Role of no in neurodegeneration

Nitric oxide (NO) is an unprecedented biological messenger molecule. NO is synthesized by the enzymes NO synthases, that catalyze the essential amino acid l-arginine into NO and l-citrulline. In the central nervous system, NO is an unusual neuronal messenger molecule; due to its small size and ability to move through lipids, NO reaches its targets through diffusion. NO forms covalent and noncovalent linkages with protein and nonprotein targets and is involved in a wide range of physiological and pathophysiological actions. NO has been linked to the development and progression of neural injury in stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.