title: The influence of endocardial endothelium on myocardial contraction.
abstract: A novel unidentified agent, provisionally named 'endocardin', has been shown to be released from endocardial endothelium. Endocardin has a unique prolonging effect on myocardial contraction. In contrast, endothelium-derived relaxing factor released from endocardial endothelium has the opposite effect of abbreviating contraction. Jerry Smith and colleagues discuss the mechanisms of action of these agents and their possible physiology and pathophysiology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fort
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004699:Endocardium / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009569:Nitric Oxide