Nitric oxide (NO) signalling has pleiotropic roles in biology and a crucial function in cardiovascular homeostasis. Tremendous knowledge has been accumulated on the mechanisms of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS)–NO pathway, but how this highly reactive, free radical gas signals to specific targets for precise regulation of cardiovascular function remains the focus of much intense research. In this Review, we summarize the updated paradigms on NOS regulation, NO interaction with reactive oxidant species in specific subcellular compartments, and downstream effects of NO in target cardiovascular tissues, while emphasizing the latest developments of molecular tools and biomarkers to modulate and monitor NO production and bioavailability.

一氧化氮（NO）信号在生物学中具有多效性作用，在心血管稳态中起关键作用。关于一氧化氮合酶（NOS）-NO途径的机制已经积累了丰富的知识，但是这种高反应性的自由基气体如何向特定的靶标发出信号以精确调节心血管功能仍然是许多深入研究的重点。在本综述中，我们总结了关于NOS调节，NO与特定亚细胞区隔中的反应性氧化剂的相互作用以及NO在靶心血管组织中的下游作用的最新范例，同时强调了调节和监测NO产生的分子工具和生物标记物的最新发展。和生物利用度。