The normal functioning of many organs is controlled by several types of nerves through releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. A new type of nerve has been identified recently; these are called nitrergic nerves. They release a nitric oxide-like transmitter to control the relaxation of smooth muscle. Although it is known that nitrergic nerves play important roles in the regulation of functions of various organs, the nature of its transmitter has not been elucidated. Our recent study suggest ....The normal functioning of many organs is controlled by several types of nerves through releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. A new type of nerve has been identified recently; these are called nitrergic nerves. They release a nitric oxide-like transmitter to control the relaxation of smooth muscle. Although it is known that nitrergic nerves play important roles in the regulation of functions of various organs, the nature of its transmitter has not been elucidated. Our recent study suggests that the nitrergic transmitter is more close to a redox form of nitric oxide such as nitroxyl anion than to nitric oxide itself. This project will investigate further the mechanism of nitrergic transmission including the nature of the nitrergic transmitter. The proposed research will help to answer important questions regarding the mechanisms of nitrergic transmission and thus may throw additional light to the nature of the nitrergic transmitter. The findings may also be significant for the development of new drugs (such as new NO donors) which interact with nitrergic mechanisms.Read moreRead less