Nitric oxide
Nitric oxide is a chemical compound of the nitrogen oxides group, in which nitrogen is present in the II oxidation state. It has one unpaired radical electron, therefore it is unstable, highly reactive and has free radical properties.
Nitric oxide or nitric oxide, also known as nitrogen monoxide, is a molecule with the chemical formula NO. They are free radicals and are an important intermediate in chemical reactions.
In mammals and humans, nitric oxide is an important component of cellular signaling molecules involved in many physiological and pathological processes. It is a powerful vasodilator with a short blood half-life of a few seconds.
In the late 1980s, it was proved that special enzyme systems of organisms are capable of synthesizing nitrogen oxide gas. This occurs as a result of the oxidation of the guanidine group of the amino acid L-arginine with the simultaneous synthesis of citrulline.
Obtaining nitric oxide
Under laboratory conditions, nitric oxide can be obtained by reacting dilute nitric acid with copper or by reducing nitrous acid in the form of sodium nitrite or potassium nitrite.
The main natural source of nitric oxide is electrical lightning in a thunderstorm. Nitric oxide is a by-product of the combustion of substances in automobile engines and fuels in power plants.
It is also possible to obtain nitrogen oxide from free elements, for this it is necessary to combine nitrogen with oxygen at a temperature of 1200-1300 ° C.
Nitric oxide applications
Nitric oxide is used medicinally to dilate blood vessels in coronary artery disease by reducing stress on the heart.
Nitric oxide is used in emergency medicine to promote capillary dilation of the lungs to treat primary pulmonary hypertension in newborns associated with birth defects. Nitric oxide therapy significantly improves quality of life and, in some cases, saves the lives of children at risk of developing pulmonary vascular disease.
Nitric oxide is also administered as a lifesaving therapy in patients with acute right ventricular failure secondary to pulmonary embolism.
In the food industry, nitric oxide is known as the E942 food additive and is used as a propellant and packing gas.
Nitric oxide properties
Nitric oxide is a colorless gas with a melting point of -163.6 ° C and a boiling point of -151.7 ° C. The molecular formula of nitrogen oxide is NO, molar mass - 30.01 grams / mol, density - 1.3402 g dm, solubility in water - 74 cm3 / dm3, refractive index - 1.0002697.
The benefits of nitric oxide
Nitric oxide is widely used in traditional medicine for various diseases and has a positive effect on:
- Circulatory system - The regulatory properties of nitric oxide affect blood circulation throughout the body, increase the diameter of blood vessels and prevent blood clots. It helps endothelial cells control blood vessels. Nitric oxide also increases oxygen levels within the body, lowers blood pressure and helps the heart function optimally;
- Immune System - The immune cells in the human body synthesize nitric oxide to kill bacteria and viruses that can cause infections. It is also known the property of nitric oxide to prevent the appearance of benign and malignant tumors in the cells of the body;
- Endurance level - Nitric oxide increases the level of endurance of muscle cells, which allows you to withstand heavier loads and more easily carry out more vigorous activities;
- Enhancing the response of nerve cells - Nitric oxide acts as an intracellular mediator between various cells in the body, including nerve cells. With a sufficient content of nitric oxide in the body, the communication between nerve cells becomes faster, which leads to a quick response to external stimuli, an increase in focus and alertness;
- Increased Sexual Energy - The use of nitric oxide stimulates, invigorates and enhances the body's sexual response mechanisms. Sensory and psychic stimuli from nerve cells under the action of nitric oxide lead to muscle relaxation and blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. The process proceeds in the same way in the female body, under the influence of nitric oxide, blood flow increases in the tissues of the vagina;
- Pain Relief - Nitric Oxide provides long-term relief from pain associated with arthritis and joint inflammation. It is able to activate anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the cells of the body, and helps to reduce inflammation;
- Increased Muscle Mass - Nitric oxide supplements expand blood channels, improve circulation and increase muscle mass. As blood flow increases, the amount of nutrients in the muscles increases, which leads to an increase in muscle size;
- Intracellular Communication - Nitric oxide improves communication between different cells in the body, including between nerve cells and brain cells. Nitric oxide supplements have been shown to improve memory, concentration and learning ability.
The harm of nitric oxide
The use of nitric oxide in most people does not cause side effects, however, in cases of overdose, it leads to diarrhea, weakness, nausea, headache, increased heart rate and heart rate, water retention, fatigue, skin irritation and dry mouth.
Other side effects of nitric oxide use are breathing problems, severe allergies or rashes, hives, itching, shortness of breath, life-threatening complications of asthma, sudden chills, sweating, tremors, vomiting, and fainting. In some cases, the use of nitric oxide leads to outbreaks of herpes, vasodilation and bleeding.
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