The roles of nitric oxide in murine cardiovascular development.

Nitric oxide (NO) participates in a diverse array of biological functions in mammalian organ systems. Depending on the biochemical environment, the production of NO may result in cytoprotection or cytotoxicity. The paradoxical actions of NO arise from the complexities generated by the redox milieu, NO concentration/bioavailability, and tissue/cell context, which ultimately result in the wide range of regulatory roles observed. Additionally, in physiological versus pathological states, NO often displays diametrically opposing affects in several organ systems. Here, we will discuss the roles of NO during reproduction, organ system development, in particular, the cardiovascular system, and its potential implications in diabetes-induced fetal defects.