How does Nitric oxid interact with the vascular endothelium?

Answer 1

Vascular Effects of NO

Vascular actions of NO include the following:

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Direct vasodilation (flow dependent and receptor mediated)
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Indirect vasodilation by inhibiting vasoconstrictor influences (e.g., inhibits angiotensin II and sympathetic vasoconstriction)
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Anti-thrombotic effect - inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium
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Anti-inflammatory effect - inhibits leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium; scavenges superoxide anion
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Antiproliferative effect - inhibits smooth muscle hyperplasia

Because of the above actions of NO, when its production is impaired or its bioavailability is reduced, the following can result:

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Vasoconstriction (e.g., coronary vasospasm, elevated systemic vascular resistance, hypertension)
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Thrombosis due to platelet aggregation and adhesion to vascular endothelium
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Inflammation due to upregulation of leukocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules
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Vascular hypertrophy and stenosis

Diseases or Conditions Associated with Abnormal NO Production and Bioavailability

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Hypertension
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Obesity
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Dyslipidemias (particularly hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia)
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Diabetes (both type I and II)
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Heart failure
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Atherosclerosis
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Aging
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Cigarette smoking

Answer 2

The body makes NO and uses it to dilate blood vessels, so blood can flow through them easily.

When the body attempts to repair injured areas of the blood vessels – such as after blood flow is cut off in a heart attack or sickle cell crisis – NO prevents the inflammatory white cells of that repair process from sticking to the cells that line the arteries. NO also reduces clotting by keeping the platelets in the blood from sticking together.

Finally, NO protects vessels by knocking out a substance called superoxide that generates highly destructive particles, “free radicals,” that can damage vessels, he says.

Answer 3

it causes dilation and increased permeability. Meaning fluid leaves the vesels