Expansion On The Recent Discoveries Concerning Nitric Oxide :: essays research papers

Expansion on the Recent Discoveries Concerning nitrous Oxideas presented by Dr. Jack R. Lancasterazotic Oxide, or NO, its chemical representation, was until recently notconsidered to be of whatsoever benefit to the life processes of animals, much lesshuman beings. However, studies have proven that this simple compound had anabundance of uses in the body, ranging from the nervous system to thereproductive system. Its many uses ar still being explored, and it is hopedthat it can play an active role in the cures for certain types of cancers andtumors that form in the brain and other parts of the body.Nitric Oxide is not to be confused with nitrous oxide, the latter ofwhich is commonly known as laughing gas. Nitric oxide has one more electron thanthe anesthetic. NO is not soluble in water. It is a clear gas. When NO isexposed to air, it mixes with oxygen, yielding nitrogen IV dioxide, a brown gaswhich is soluble in water. These ar just a few of the chemical properties ofnitric oxide . With the total life expectancy of nitric oxide being from six toten seconds, it is not surprising that it has not been until recently that itwas discovered in the body. The compound is quickly converted into nitrates andnitrites by oxygen and water. Yet even its short-lived life, it has found many fits within the body. Nitric oxide enables white blood cells to kill tumorcells and bacteria, and it allows neurotransmitters to dilate blood vessels. Italso serves as a messenger for neurons, like a neurotransmitter. The compoundis also accountable for penile erections. Further experiments may lead to itsuse in memory research and for the treatment of certain neurodegenerativedisorders. One of the most exciting discoveries of nitric oxide involves itsfunction in the brain. It was first discovered that nitric oxide played a rolein the nervous system in 1982. Small amounts of it prove useful in the openingof calcium ion channels (with glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter) sendinga st rong excitatory impulse. However, in larger amounts, its effects are quiteharmful. The channels are forced to fire more rapidly, which can kill the cells.This is the cause of most strokes. To find where nitric oxide is found in thebrain, scientists used a purification method from a tissue sample of the brain.One scientist discovered that the synthesis of nitric oxide required thepresence of calcium, which often acts by binding to a ubiquitous cofactor calledcalmodulin. A small amount of calmodulin is added to the enzyme preparations,