Nitricergic neurons

Neurons that are able to express neuronal NO synthase (nNOS, neuronal nitrogen monoxide synthase) The neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in turn is a soluble enzyme that is constitutively expressed in nitrergic nerve cells. Thus, a neurogenic action potential arriving at a nerve ending leads via the Ca2+- influx to the activation of the NO synthase and thus to the formation of NO.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a highly diffusible, short-lived, endogenously formed bioactive molecule. It is found in neurons as well as in endothelial and immune cells, where it acts as a neuromodulator or messenger. Nitric oxide is formed by catalysis of the enzyme nitrogen monoxide synthase (NOS). The NOS (NO synthase) catalyses the reaction of L-arginine to nitrogen monoxide and LCitrulline.