Nitroxidergic neurons are a type of nerve cells in the nervous system that release nitric oxide and have important roles in regulating blood flow and cardiovascular function. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /naɪtroksaɪ'dərdʒɪk n(j)uruːnz/. The first syllable /naɪ/ is pronounced like "eye", the second syllable /trok/ is pronounced like "troak", the third syllable /saɪ/ sounds like "sigh", and the fourth syllable /'dərdʒɪk/ is pronounced like "durr-jik". The last word, neurons, is pronounced as /n(j)uruːnz/ with the "j" being optional in the first syllable.
Nitroxidergic neurons refer to a specific type of nerve cells that produce and release nitric oxide (NO) as their primary neurotransmitter. Nitric oxide is a signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes, including the regulation of blood flow, immune response, and neuronal communication. These neurons are an essential component of the nitroxidergic system, which plays a crucial role in modulating neuronal functions and mediating communication between neurons.
Nitroxidergic neurons are found in different regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues. They are characterized by the presence of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) that synthesizes nitric oxide. There are three isoforms of NOS: neuronal NOS (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). Among these isoforms, nitroxidergic neurons primarily express nNOS.
The release of nitric oxide by these neurons can have both excitatory and inhibitory effects on neighboring cells, depending on the specific context and cellular targets. Nitric oxide acts as a diffusible gas and can freely pass through cellular membranes, allowing it to modulate various cellular processes. It can interact with other molecules within cells, such as guanylyl cyclase, leading to the production of an intracellular messenger called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This cGMP signaling pathway contributes to the regulation of synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and other physiological functions.
Overall, nitroxidergic neurons and their production of nitric oxide are essential components of cellular communication and neuronal signaling in various physiological processes.
The word "Nitroxidergic" is formed by combining the terms "nitric oxide" and "ergic". In this context, "nitric oxide" refers to a chemical compound involved in various physiological functions in the body, including acting as a neurotransmitter. The term "ergic" is derived from the Greek word "ergon", meaning work or action, and is commonly used in neuroscience to indicate neurons or neurotransmitters that have a specific function or action.
The word "neurons" originates from the Greek word "neuron", meaning nerve or sinew. It refers to specialized cells that transmit information within the nervous system. The term "nitroxidergic neurons" thus signifies neurons that utilize nitric oxide as one of their neurotransmitters or modulators.