Reaction: L-arginine + n NADPH + n H+ + m O2 = citrulline + nitric oxide + n NADP+
Other name(s): nitric oxide synthetase; endothelium-derived relaxation factor-forming enzyme; endothelium-derived relaxing factor synthase; NO synthase; NADPH-diaphorase
Systematic name: L-arginine,NADPH:oxygen oxidoreductase (nitric-oxide-forming)
Comments: The enzyme in brain, but not that induced in lung or liver by endotoxin, requires Ca2+. The stoichiometry is not clear, but may involve a two-electron and a one-electron oxidation step.
Links to other databases: BRENDA, EXPASY, KEGG, PDB, CAS registry number: 125978-95-2
References:
1. Bredt, D.S. and Snyder, S.H. Isolation of nitric oxide synthetase, a calmodulin-requiring enzyme. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87 (1990) 682-685. [PMID: 1689048]
2. Knowles, R.G., Merrett, M., Salter, M. and Moncada, S. Differential induction of brain, lung and liver nitric oxide synthase by endotoxin in the rat. Biochem. J. 270 (1990) 833-836. [PMID: 1700698]
3. Moncada, S., Palmer, R.M.J. and Higgs, E.A. Biosynthesis of nitric oxide from L-arginine. A pathway for the regulation of cell function and communication. Biochem. Pharmacol. 38 (1989) 1709-1715. [PMID: 2567594]