雌性动物生殖系统中的一氧化氮

一氧化氮(nitric oxide，NO)属于无机自由基气体，作为一种特殊的生物传递信号分子，日益受到生命科学各领域的普遍重视。机体内的NO是由三种一氧化氮合酶(nitric oxide synthase，NOS)合成的。NOS在体内的分布极为广泛，几乎遍布机体的每一个系统。研究表明，生殖系统中的NO参与了卵泡的发育和成熟、胚胎的植入、妊娠的维持、分娩等许多生理过程。现就NO在雌性生殖系统中的作用进行阐述。

The Role of Nitric Oxide in Female Reproduction

Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by a group of enzymes called nitric oxide synthases (NOS), which has three isoforms: endothelial (eNOS), neural (nNOS) and inducible (iNOS). NO acts as an important intracellular messenger in a variety of systems including reproduction. In mammals, NO is known to be a major paracrine mediator and important regulatory agent in various female reproductive processes, such as ovulation, implantation, pregnancy maintenance, labor and delivery. Its benefits reach from contraception to preventing possibly lethal pregnancy complications. NO-donors may contribute to a reduction of fetal and maternal perinatal morbidity and mortality. NO-donors and NOS-inhibitors may provide novel, effective, safe and inexpensive drugs to regulate and steer various functions in female reproductive life.