Endogenous nitrates--implications for treatment and prevention.
The endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is nitric oxide (NO) or a closely related nitrosothiol derivative, and is formed from the amino acid, L-arginine. NO is rapidly inactivated locally, released into the blood stream and instantly destroyed by haemoglobin. EDRF-NO and NO generated from vasodilator nitrates work by activation of soluble guanylate cyclase, elevating cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) levels to cause vasodilatation and inhibition of platelet aggregation. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation is attenuated in hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes through either loss of endothelium or deficient formation of EDRF-NO. In these conditions exogenous nitrates may substitute for a failing endogenous mechanism.
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William Harvey Research Institute, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London, U.K.
D001120:Arginine / Q000378:metabolism; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009566:Nitrates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D009566:Nitrates; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D001120:Arginine