Nitric oxide and the gut.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a modulator of blood flow, motility, electrolyte and water transport, and the function of endothelial cells, platelets, mast cells, and macrophages within the digestive system. In addition, a number of reports have demonstrated that NO possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties, whereas results from an equally impressive number of studies suggest that NO may promote inflammation-induced cell and tissue dysfunction. Consideration of the physiologic chemistry of NO and its interaction with molecular oxygen and/or superoxide may allow us to identify which of the NO-dependent reactions are important in modulating physiologic and pathophysiologic responses in the gut.