1. What do you understand by the term “endothelium-dependent” vasodilation?  Explain.

Calcium increases intracellularly in the endothelial cells. This will lead to the formation of NO. The NO moves to the vascular smooth muscle and causes the muscle to relax(vasorelaxation). 

2. When we talk about the NOS enzyme, what is meant by “constitutive” and “inducible” enzymes and what are the pathological and physiological implications thereof.

Constitutive enzymes are produced all the time, where inducible enzymes are only produced when the correct subsrate is present.

3. Explain how NO contributes to the fatal pathology of septic shock.

If endotoxins are present, iNOS will form in the smooth muscle. This will cause high levels of NO to be produced. This will cause low blood pressure and can lead to septic shock.

4. Which autacoids’ mechanism of action depends on effects on the guanylyl cyclase-cGMP system?

No ( nitric oxide)

5. NO may be toxic to the cell.  Which mechanisms are available to the body to counter this detrimental effect of NO?

NOS inhibitors. The interact with L-arginine that makes NO. Lower levels of NO will be produced. 

6. Name a way in which NO can act pro-inflammatory.  Give examples of where it will have advantages or disadvantages.

An overproduction of NO induces inflammatory. 

Disadvantage - tissue damage and asma

7. In which possible neurological and psychiatric diseases is NO involved? 

alzheimeras disease

parkinsons disease

stroke