Peptides, endothelium, and pulmonary vascular reactivity.
The lung contains a number of active peptides that can influence endothelial and smooth muscle function. At least two of these peptides are metabolized by endothelium, and endothelium is required for the vasodilator action of several peptides. A vasodilator peptide, VIP, may be the transmitter of the nonadrenergic, noncholinergic system, the major component of neurogenic relaxation of pulmonary vessels.
D004727:Endothelium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000378:metabolism*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D010455:Peptides / Q000378:metabolism; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000378:metabolism; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000378:metabolism; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000378:metabolism
D010455:Peptides; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide