<unk><unk>  (nitrogen monoxide) is a molecule and chemical compound with chemical formula of NO. In mammals including humans,<unk><unk>  is a signaling molecule involved in several physiological and pathological processes. It is a powerful vasodilator with a half-life of a few seconds in the blood. Standard pharmaceuticals such as nitroglycerine and amyl<unk> e are precursors to<unk><unk> . Low levels of<unk><unk>  production are typically due to ischemic damage in the liver. As a consequence of its importance in neuroscience, physiology, and immunology,<unk><unk>  was proclaimed "Molecule of the Year" in 1992. Research into its<unk> led to the 1998 Nobel Prize for elucidating the role of<unk><unk>  as a cardiovascular signalling molecule.
Biological functions of nitric oxide
Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway
Cardiac excitation-contraction coupling
Parafunctional activity
Purinergic signalling
Atrial volume receptors
Insulin signal transduction pathway
Premovement neuronal activity