Exogenous nitric oxide donors and inhibitors of its formation (the chemical aspects)

The published data on the biological role of nitric oxide formed in vivo by enzymatic oxidation of L-arginine are generalised. Special attention is given to exogenous nitric oxide donors, which can release NO in vitro and in vivo in oxidation, reduction, or hydrolytic cleavage. Also considered are the data on the chemical nature of inhibitors of NO-synthase responsible for nitric oxide formation from L-arginine. The bibliography includes 161 references.