True about nitric oxide | PGI MCQs for MD MS Preparations

True about nitric oxide 

A. Free radical 
B. Vasodilator 
C. Oxidizing agent 
D. Catalyst 
E. Platelet aggregator

Ans. A. Free radical ; (B) Vasodilator ; (C) Oxidizing agent ; (D) Catalyst 

• Nitric oxide is a gas synthesized by endothelial cells previously known as endothelium derived relaxing Factor (EDRF), causes vasodilatation. It stimulates guanyl cyclase.

- NO has very short half life (3-4 sec.) as in tissues it reacts with oxygen and superoxide producing peroxynitrite which decomposes to form highly reactive OH radical.