title: Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF).
abstract: Recent studies on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation have been briefly reviewed and analyzed. The following processes appear to subserve this mechanism: In the endothelial cell: receptor activation, activation of phospholipases, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, synthesis and release of 'endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s) (EDRF); In the smooth muscle cell: activation of guanyl cyclase and protein kinase, protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, relaxation. Alterations of this mechanism could be involved in certain cardiovascular disorders.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D004727:Endothelium / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D010740:Phospholipases / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D010740:Phospholipases