title: Evidence for cyclic GMP-mediated relaxant effects of nitro-compounds in coronary smooth muscle.
abstract: The effects of the four nitro-compounds nitroglycerin, nitroprusside-Na, NaNO2 and B 744-99 were studied simultaneously on length and on cGMP-levels in isolated circular strips of bovine coronary arteries. 1. All 4 nitro-compounds concentration dependently relaxed the strips in close association with pronounced increases in cGMP-levels which preceded the mechanical responses. 2. The relaxant effects of all 4 nitro-compounds were significantly potentiated by the predominant inhibitor of cGMP-hydrolysis M & B 22,948, which also potentiated the increase in cGMP-levels of the two nitro-compounds in which it was studied (nitroglycerin and nitroprusside-Na). 3. Non-substituted cGMP and -- much stronger -- its 8 bromo-derivative also relaxed the strips and these effects were likewise potentiated by M & B 22,948. 4. When the log increase in cGMP produced by the 4 nitro-compounds were plotted against percent relaxation (probit scale) a linear and highly significant positive correlation was obtained. 5. The results provide evidence that the increases in cGMP caused by the 4 nitro-compounds studied are responsible for the smooth muscle relaxing actions of these drugs.
mesh_terms: D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000187:drug effects*; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D009574:Nitro Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D009574:Nitro Compounds; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases; D006152:Cyclic GMP