Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor--a critical appraisal.
Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor is defined as that substance which produces vascular smooth muscle hyperpolarization which cannot be explained by nitric oxide or by a cyclo-oxygenase product such as prostacyclin. The possibility that the factor is an epoxyeicosatrienoic acid or a cannabinoid agonist such as anandamide continues to be investigated, but definitive evidence in favour of either is lacking. The sensitivity of EDHF-mediated responses to charybdotoxin, to apamin or to mixtures of these two toxins may indicate the opening of more than one smooth muscle K-channel, but the possibility that these are located on the vascular endothelium is discussed.
School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK.
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Edwards
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Weston
D000818:Animals; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000502:physiology; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000502:physiology
D001685:Biological Factors; D015221:Potassium Channels; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug; C067410:endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization factor; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase