CO and NO in medicine

Chem Commun (Camb). 2007 Nov 7:(41):4197-208. doi: 10.1039/b704873d.

Abstract

The occurrence, role and consequences of CO and NO in biological systems are reviewed. This includes their syntheses by heme oxygenases and NO synthases, their biological targets and the physiological effects of their signals. The use of CO and NO gases in medicine are discussed and methods of delivery are illustrated with particular emphasis on the therapeutic properties of compounds that generate controlled amounts of NO and CO in vivo.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / metabolism
  • Carbon Monoxide / chemistry
  • Carbon Monoxide / physiology*
  • Carbon Monoxide / therapeutic use
  • Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nitric Oxide / chemistry
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology*
  • Nitric Oxide / therapeutic use
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)