The Role of Nitric Oxide in the Pathogenesis of Brain Lesions During the Development of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key bioregulatory active molecule in the cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, synthesized through converting L-arginine to L-citrulline by NO synthase (NOS). Research exploration supports the theory that this molecule appears to be one of the key factors for the disruption of normal brain homeostasis, which causes the development of brain lesions and pathology such as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Especially the vascular content of NO activity appears to be a major contributor to this pathology before the overexpression of NOS activity in other brain cellular compartments develop. We theorize that pharmacological intervention using NO donors and/or NO suppressors should delay or minimize brain lesion development and further progression of brain pathology and dementia.