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Figure 1 | Comparative Hepatology

Figure 1

From: Low NO bioavailability in CCl4cirrhotic rat livers might result from low NO synthesis combined with decreased superoxide dismutase activity allowing superoxide-mediated NO breakdown: A comparison of two portal hypertensive rat models with healthy controls

Figure 1

Proposed scheme of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide signaling. Adapted from references [18], [24] and [34]. NO is a potent vasodilator acting through activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase in vasoactive effector cells. Superoxide is able to react with NO to form reactive nitrogen species, which could not have vasodilatory effects. Superoxide dismutase competes with NO to react with superoxide. Superoxide dismutase activity leads to breakdown of superoxide and may be regarded as a "NO sparing enzyme". Glutathione and NO may lead to possible storage of NO-derivatives.

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Comparative Hepatology

ISSN: 1476-5926