LAUSR

ABSTRACT Nitroxyl (HNO), the one electron reduced and protonated form of nitric oxide (NO•), has emerged as a nitrogen oxide with a suite of vasoprotective properties and therapeutic advantages over its redox sibling. Whilst HNO has garnered much attention due to its cardioprotective actions in heart failure, its ability to modulate vascular function, without the limitations of tolerance development and NO• resistance is desirable in the treatment of vascular disease. HNO serves as a potent vasodilator and anti-aggregatory agent and has an ability to limit vascular inflammation and reactive oxygen species generation. In addition, its resistance to scavenging by reactive oxygen species and ability to target distinct vascular signalling pathways (Kv, KATP, CGRP), contributes to its preserved efficacy in hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. In this review, the vasoprotective actions of HNO will be compared with those of NO• and the therapeutic utility HNO donors in the treatment of angina, acute cardiovascular emergencies and chronic vascular disease discussed.