The chemical signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO), which freely diffuses through aqueous and lipid environments, subserves an array of functions in the mammalian central nervous system, such as the regulation of synaptic plasticity, blood flow and neurohormone secretion. In this Review, we consider the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which NO evokes short-term and long-term changes in neuronal activity. We also highlight recent studies showing that discrete populations of neurons that synthesize NO in the hypothalamus constitute integrative systems that support life by relaying metabolic and gonadal signals to the neuroendocrine brain, and thus gate the onset of puberty and adult fertility. The putative involvement and therapeutic potential of NO in the pathophysiology of brain diseases, for which hormonal imbalances during postnatal development could be risk factors, is also discussed.

在水和脂质环境中自由扩散的化学信号分子一氧化氮（NO）在哺乳动物中枢神经系统中具有一系列功能，例如调节突触可塑性，血流和神经激素分泌。在这篇综述中，我们考虑了NO引起神经元活动的短期和长期变化的细胞和分子机制。我们还强调了最近的研究，这些研究表明，在下丘脑中合成NO的离散神经元群体构成了整合系统，该系统通过将代谢和性腺信号传递至神经内分泌大脑来支持生命，从而控制了青春期和成人生育能力的发作。一氧化氮在脑疾病的病理生理学中的可能参与和治疗潜力，