Say NO to ET.
The endothelial cells release both relaxing [nitric oxide (NO), endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), prostacyclin] and contracting factors [endoperoxides, thromboxane A(2), superoxide anions, endothelin-1 (ET)]. The production of ET is inhibited by NO. The latter also strongly opposes the direct effects of the former on vascular smooth muscle. With aging and vascular disease, the production of enothelial NO declines, and thus ET can be released, act and contribute to the symptoms.
Vanhoutte
P M
PM
Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 6, Place des Pléïades, 92415 cedex, Courbevoie, France.
D000818:Animals; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology
D019332:Endothelin-1; D009569:Nitric Oxide