Heparin inhibits contraction of smooth muscle cells in lymphatic vessels.
Heparin in concentrations of 10-50 U/ml produced a decrease in the amplitude and frequency of phasic contractions of smooth muscle cells of bovine mesenteric lymphatic vessels. Vascular wall tension was reduced under these conditions. The endothelium-dependent effect of heparin is realized via an increase in the production of nitric oxide by endothelial cells and, to a lesser degree, via the stimulation of prostacyclin synthesis.
Laboratory for Physiology of Blood Circulation, I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia. gilobov@yandex.ru
G I
GI
Lobov
M N
MN
Pan'kova
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006493:Heparin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000166:cytology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000502:physiology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D006493:Heparin; D011464:Epoprostenol