Neuronal nitric oxide synthase synaptic plasticity

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The CNS contains a substantial amount of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which is found within certain classes of neurons. This neuronal NOS is an enzyme activated by calcium-calmodulin, and activation of NMDA receptors, which increases intracellular calcium, results in the generation of nitric oxide. Although a physiologic role for nitric oxide has been clearly established for vascular smooth muscle, its role in synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity remains controversial. Perhaps the strongest case for a role of nitric oxide in neuronal signaling in the CNS is for long-term depression of synaptic transmission in the cerebellum. 

Nitric oxide iNO). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is present in about 1-2% >f neurones in many areas of the brain, e.g. cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum. NO has been shown to have many actions in the brain and it is believed to have -a modulatory role. It affects the release of other irnnsitiiiters and there is evidence that it may be involved in synaptic plasticity, e.g. lung-term polenlialion. 

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