RSNOs in Biological Systems

Low-molecular-weight RSNOs have been identified in a variety of organ systems (Table II) and are believed to play important roles in NO-dependent physiological responses, particularly in the vasculature. S-Nitroso-L-cysteine 

RSNOs have more recently been identified in other organ systems as well, where their effects have been well characterized. Gaston et al. (1993) reported that RSNOs, primarily as S-nitrosoglutathione, are found in up to micromolar concentrations in normal alveolar fluid these endogenous RSNOs are comparatively long-lived relaxants of human airway bronchial smooth muscle and may provide a mechanism by which NO is protected from inactivation by reactive oxygen species present in the airway. Kerr et al. (1992) have shown that bovine retractor penile inhibitory factor, which relaxes smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, is likely to be equivalent to S-nitrosoglutathione. 

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