A critical assessment of the neurodestructive and neuroprotective effects of nitric oxide.

Whether nitric oxide is cytodestructive or cytoprotective is of obvious clinical importance. The debate on this subject in the past decade has generated much "heat and light". This paper focuses on the actions of NO on the nervous system and reexamines the controversial issue and the contribution of the authors and their colleagues in the light of recent findings. We also report new findings, critically assesses previous experimental data, and share perspectives on this important subject.