Nitric oxide has a tantalising role in health and disease: whilst many of its wide-ranging effects are well known, there remains much more to explore and to learn about the interactions of this fascinating molecule in physiological and pathophysiological processes. The volume reviews the myriad of effects of nitric oxide: as a chemical messenger in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, immune system and cardiovascular system. Furthermore, it provides a very practical introduction to the procedures and experimental protocols necessary to work with and study nitric oxide and its synthesing enzyme, nitric oxide synthase, in the laboratory. In this respect the volume is unique, providing as it does a complete single-volume review of the role of nitric oxide in health and disease, and a very practical introduction to the methods and protocols involved in this intriguing and active area of biomedical research.