The unique molecule NO is of tremendous importance to the vasculature. Endothelium-derived NO is responsible for a functioning of the cardiovascular system, which in turn may decisively affect other organs, notably the kidneys. In recent years, we learned that the L-arginine/NO pathway is very complex and that numerous factors may control and influence the synthesis of NO and its bioavailability. On the basis of this knowledge, researchers put a lot of effort into a better understanding of the labyrithine biochemistry of NO that eventually should lead to the development of promising, clinically relevant approaches. The recent developments in this area of research prompted us to organise the International Symposium on NO “Vascular NO: From Bench to Bedside” at the Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany, from March 11th to 13th 2004. The organizers were very happy to welcome 32 invited speakers, from all continents some of them eminent authorities in particular fields and brillant speakers, as well as colleagues who presented their more recent research results in 38 posters. The symposiumwas divided into eight particular symposia that covered various aspects of NO research, including biochemistry and analysis of the Larginine/NO pathway, ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine), stimulation of endogenous NO production, NO in the kidney, and growth hormone and aging. The organizers were highly honored to have the Nobel laureate Louis J. Ingarro as a contributor, whose special lecture “The Road to Stockholm: A Nobel Mission” was the highlight of the symposium and filled the large audience with enthusiasm. Lectures, posters and informal exchange of experiences among the symposium participants were accompanied by an exhibition of printing media and modern analytical instrumental technologies such as those allowing online measurement of NO in vivo. In the present supplement of European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, review articles written by invited spikers and abstracts of the poster demonstrations are published. The articles give an updated overview of recent developments in all areas of NO research addressed in the symposia of the conference. We hope this supplement will not only inform, but moreover stimulate new research in the fascinating and challenging field of NO from bench to bedside. We would like to thank all the sponsors, participants and all those who helped to make this symposium a success.