Nitric oxide (NO) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA): their pathophysiological role and involvement in intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract Objective: Nitric oxide (NO) has a variety of functions in physiological systems, particularly in the vasculature and the central nervous system. Currently, the imbalance of the pathway involving nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (NO-NOS-ADMA) is increasingly discussed in connection with endothelial dysfunction. Knowledge about the role of this pathway in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), which represents the most devastating stroke subtype, is increasing but still sparse. This article aims to review the current knowledge about the role and metabolism of NO and ADMA. It will also address the role of the NO-NOS-ADMA pathway in ICH and delineate some questions that should be addressed by future studies. Methods: A literature search regarding the data about NO, NOS, and ADMA and its role in ICH was conducted in PubMed. Results: Experimental data from cell culture and animal models indicate that, after the occurrence of ICH, neuronal and inducible nitric oxid...