Recent trends in the nitrergic nervous system

Abstract

The late 20th century witnessed the novel discovery of Nitrergic or Nitroxidergic innervation of the vascular smooth muscles, their role as a vasodilator in cerebral, ocular and penile vasculature, as well as their reciprocal action to adrenergic vasoconstriction. The identification of this nerve as a postganglionic parasympathetic nerve, the discovery of autonomic efferent nerves where Nitric oxide (NO) is the neurotransmitter (NTM) to blood vessels, its physiological role in the control of smooth muscle tone, and the pharmacological implications of NO have been reviewed. This will aid an in-depth analysis of vascular dysfunctions and the development of strategic pharmacotherapeutic interventions with time.