Nitric Oxide Synthesis in the Adult and Developing Kidney

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized within the adult and developing kidney and plays a critical role in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and tubule function. In the adult kidney, the regulation of NO synthesis is very cell type specific and subject to distinct control mechanisms of NO synthase (NOS) isoforms. Endothelial NOS (eNOS) is expressed in the endothelial cells of glomeruli, peritubular capillaries, and vascular bundles. Neuronal NOS (nNOS) is expressed in the tubular epithelial cells of the macula densa and inner medullary collecting duct. Furthermore, in the immature kidney, the expression of eNOS and nNOS shows unique patterns distinct from that is observed in the adult. This review will summarize the localization and presumable function of NOS isoforms in the adult and developing kidney.