Nitric oxide in the occurrence and development of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Since nitric oxide is a chemically highly reactive free radical that can act as both an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, it is assumed that it has diverse effects on biological tissues. Nitric oxide is fundamentally important for the regulation of immune, reproductive and neuromuscular system functions and is the main signaling molecule and effector that can dilate blood vessels and modulate energy metabolism. This review examines the key role of nitric oxide in the mechanisms underlying the response to hypoxia, as well as in the effects of factors induced by hypoxia. The available conflicting information allowed us to conclude that at present, there is no consensus about the role of endogenous nitric oxide in the processes occurring after ischemic cerebrovascular disease.