Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Cerebral Ischemia

Studies have shown that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) generated by iNOS, involved in the pathophysiological processes after cerebral ischemia. iNOS /NO play a dual role in the cascades of injury during different stages of cerebr al ischemia. The article reviews the effects and underlying mechanisms of apopto sis and neurogenesis induced by iNOS/NO, as well as the effect of the selective iNOS inhibitor on brain ischemic injury. Key words: nitric oxide synt hase; cerebral ischemia; apoptosis; neurogenesis