Nitric oxide the gatekeeper of endothelial vasomotor control

Front Biosci. 2008 May 1:13:4198-217. doi: 10.2741/3000.

Abstract

The endothelium can elicit relaxations and contractions of the underlying smooth muscle cells. It does so by releasing vasodilator (EDRF) and vasoconstrictor (EDCF) mediators. Among the diffusible endothelial factors nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role, particularly in large blood vessels. This chapter briefly reviews the interactions between NO and the other vasomotor signals released by the endothelial cells.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Factors / physiology
  • Connexins / physiology
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / drug effects
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism
  • Endothelin-1 / metabolism
  • Endothelin-1 / physiology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Nitric Oxide / physiology*
  • Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / metabolism
  • TRPC Cation Channels / physiology
  • Vasoconstriction / physiology
  • Vasodilation / physiology
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Biological Factors
  • Connexins
  • Endothelin-1
  • Potassium Channels
  • TRPC Cation Channels
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization factor
  • Nitric Oxide
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase