Non-nitrate nitric oxide donors

The realization that nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in vascular relaxation and cell growth, platelet function, and other important physiologic processes has triggered interest in the potential of NO donors as therapeutic agents. Nitric oxide donors in current clinical use include the organic nitrates, organic nitrites, sodium nitroprusside, and sydnonimines (eg, molsidomine and pirsidomine). Although the NO donors share certain similarities, they differ in many important respects, including their vascular potency, tissue selectivity, and propensity for the development of hemodynamic tolerance. It is possible that these differences may be exploited for potential therapeutic gain.