Nitric Oxide: A Promoter or Inhibitor of Angiogenesis

Nitric oxide (NO) has been shown in the last decade to be an ubiquitous messenger with a remarkably wide diversity of biological actions. Its role as a major regulator in the nervous immune and cardiovascular systems as well as in pathophysiological states (septic shock, hypertension, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases) is increasingly appreciated (Gross & Wolin, 1995).