Objective To investigate the derivation and distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and its relation with the microvessels in the spinal cord. Methods The microscopic features and ultrastructure of NOS in the spinal cord tissue of rats were observed by immunohistochemistry and immunoelectronmicroscopy. Results NOS immunoreactive interneurons were identified mainly in the intermediolateral cell column, around the central canal and in the dorsal and ventral horn, and many of the NOS-containing neural processes and neurons were closely associated with the spinal cord microvessels. Conclusion The regional distribution of NOS may be indicative of the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in different function related to movement, sensory processing and visceral regulation, and the ultrastructural features benefit the NO diffusion into the microvessels to regulate the blood flow in the spinal cord.%目的 探讨脊髓组织中一氧化氮合酶（NOS）的来源、分布特征及其与脊髓微血管的关系。方法 应用免疫组化及免疫电镜技术研究大鼠脊髓组织中NOS的显微及超微结构特征。结果 脊髓组织含有NOS的神经细胞主要位于脊髓灰质的中间外侧细胞柱、中央管周围及背角和腹侧角，许多含有NOS的神经细胞及其突起与脊髓微血管紧邻。结论 NOS的区域性分布可能与NO调节脊髓运动、感觉及内脏运动等多种不同的功能有关；其超微结构特征有利于半衰期极短的NO弥散至微血管，从而调节脊髓微循环。
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