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7-Nitroindazole, or 7-NI, is a heterocyclic small molecule containing an indazole ring that has been nitrated at the 7 position. Nitroindazole acts as a selective inhibitor for neuronal nitric oxide synthase, a hemoprotein enzyme that, in neuronal tissue, converts arginine to citrulline and nitric oxide (NO).[1] Nitric oxide can diffuse through the plasma membrane into neighbouring cells, allowing cell signalling, so nitroindazole indirectly inhibits this signalling process.[2][3][4] Other inhibitors exist such as 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole, which is more potent but less specific,[5] or NPA (N-propyl-L-arginine), which acts on a different site.[6]
Pharmacology 7-Nitroindazole is under investigation as a possible protective agent against nerve damage caused by excitotoxicity or neurodegenerative diseases.[1][7] It may act by reducing oxidative stress or by decreasing the amount of peroxynitrite formed in these tissues. See also References External links fa: -
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