Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is an isozyme that exists in endothelial cells, macrophages, neurophagocytes and nerve cells. Nitric oxide synthase exists in neurons and is selectively distributed in different brain regions. Because nitric oxide is so unstable, it seems easier to study the enzymes that produce it, especially the discovery of nitric oxide synthase antagonists, which has greatly facilitated some studies of its function.