Effects of Nitric Oxide on Neuroendocrine Function and Behavior |
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Authors: | Randy J. Nelson Lance J. Kriegsfeld Valina L. Dawson Ted M. Dawson |
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Affiliation: | aDepartment of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group;bDepartment of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218-2686;cDepartment of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218-2686;dDepartment of Physiology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218-2686 |
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Abstract: | Nitric oxide (NO) is an unusual chemical messenger. NO mediates blood vessel relaxation when produced by endothelial cells. When produced by macrophages, NO contributes to the cytotoxic function of these immune cells. NO also functions as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The effects on blood vessel tone and neuronal function form the basis for an important role of NO on neuroendocrine function and behavior. NO mediates hypothalamic portal blood flow and, thus, affects oxytocin and vasopression secretion; furthermore, NO mediates neuroendocrine function in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axes. NO influences several motivated behaviors including sexual, aggressive, and ingestive behaviors. Learning and memory are also influenced by NO. Taken together, NO is emerging as an important chemical mediator of neuroendocrine function and behavior. |
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Keywords: | Hypothalamic releasing factors endocrine secretion hypothalamic&ndash hypophyseal portal system vascular tone water balance food intake water intake ingestive behavior sexual behavior penile erection ovulation aggression copulation learning memory |
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