Nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) are toxic
gases in the atmosphere that are usually associated
with pollution. Surprisingly, both have been found
to be synthesised within the body and have functions
as signalling molecules. It has been shown that
they actuate their signal by interacting with iron
(Fe) in Fe-containing proteins. Fe is an obligate
requirement for cells as many important enzymatic
proteins utilise this element for redox activity.
Activated macrophages produce large quantities of NO
and it has been hypothesised that one of the
cytotoxic mechanisms of...