what is nitric oxide, and how does it work as a local regulator in the cell?

Answer 1

NO is a gas molecule with one Nitrogen and one Oxygen atom. It acts by activating cGMP.

As a local cell regulator, the single cell layer of endothelial cells which line the luminal side of arteries release NO, which diffuses to nearby smooth muscle cells where it causes relaxation of smooth muscle cells which line coronary arteries. NO is commonly used as a vasodialator in patients with heart conditions to allow blood flow to downstream tissue.