Skip to main content

Nitric Oxide Dissociation

Meaning

Nitric oxide dissociation, in the context of photobiomodulation (PBM), describes the biochemical process where absorbed light energy causes the release of the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) from its binding site on the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) within the mitochondria. This is a crucial, transient event that acts as a key mechanism for the therapeutic effects of red and near-infrared light. The release of NO is essential for restoring optimal cellular respiration, enhancing local vasodilation, and modulating the overall cellular signaling environment, which has systemic implications for cardiovascular and hormonal health.