Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor

Blood Vessels. 1990;27(2-5):238-45. doi: 10.1159/000158815.

Abstract

Although nitric oxide appears to be the major endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), it cannot explain all endothelium-dependent responses of isolated arteries. Thus, acetylcholine causes an endothelium-dependent, transient hyperpolarization, which is due to the release from the endothelial cells of a diffusible substance (endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, EDHF) other than nitric oxide. The muscarinic receptors on the endothelium that trigger the release of EDHF belong to the M1-muscarinic subtype, while those activating the liberation of EDRF are M2-muscarinic in nature. The importance of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization varies among different blood vessels. The hyperpolarization, and the resulting relaxation caused by EDHF can be attributed to an increase in K+ conductance in the vascular smooth muscle. Although the nature of EDHF remains elusive, it may be a labile metabolic of arachidonic acid.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Arteries / drug effects
  • Arteries / metabolism*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Muscle Tonus
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / drug effects
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Nitric Oxide / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide / pharmacology

Substances

  • Nitric Oxide
  • Acetylcholine