Minireview: The generation of nitric oxide by G protein-coupled receptors

The highly reactive free radical gas, nitric oxide, serves a variety of biomodulatory functions and has been implicated in a growing array of physiological and pathophysiological states. The striking differences between this labile substance and other, more conventional, signaling molecules highlight the tight degree of nitric oxide regulation that is required in order to maintain appropriate cellular homeostasis. The generation of nitric oxide represents a common component of the signal transduction pathways of a number of chemical signaling molecules that act via binding to G Protein- coupled receptors. This review focuses on the relationship between this receptor superfamily, the generation of nitric oxide via the actions of the nitric oxide synthases and some of the inter- and intracellular roles of nitric oxide.