Endothelial NOS (eNOS)
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See also Nitric Oxide Synthase
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase, it is an enzyme present in the endothelial cell. Its function is to synthesize nitric oxide from L-arginine. It takes electrons and moves them to convert L-arginine into citrulline. Then citrulline becomes L-arginine again and the cycle continues. It has an important role in producing nitric oxide. When it works and is coupled and is producing nitric oxide, it also triggers the function of super oxide dismutase which is another enzyme that reduces reactive oxygen species.
eNOS is primarily responsible for the generation of NO in the vascular endothelium, a monolayer of flat cells lining the interior surface of blood vessels, at the interface between circulating blood in the lumen and the remainder of the vessel wall. NO produced by eNOS in the vascular endothelium plays crucial roles in regulating vascular tone, cellular proliferation, leukocyte adhesion, and [platelet aggregation. Therefore, a functional eNOS is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system.
iNOS and nNOS are soluble and found predominantly in the cytosol, while eNOS is membrane associated
In COVID-19:
When the S1 spike protein (from either the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or the vaccine) is bound to the cell it causes eNOS to function less so less nitric oxide is produced.
Converted to a superoxide-producing enzyme, uncoupled eNOS not only leads to reduction of the nitric oxide (NO) generation but also potentiates the preexisting oxidative stress, which contributes significantly to atherogenesis
eNOS uncoupling and endothelial dysfunction in aged vessels
Stachydrine protects eNOS uncoupling and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine