[Stress-limiting nitric oxide system]

Abstract

The work substantiates a concept of the nitric oxide (NO) system as a universal transmitter and controller of physiological functions and as a new stress-limiting system. The NO system can be activated by a stress, restrict release and/or production of stress hormones, restrict the stress damage to the organism, enhance the organism's resistance against stress, can be activated in adaptation to repeated exposure to environmental factors. Some specifics of the NO system differing it from other stress-limiting systems, are discussed.