Abstract
Recent studies on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation have been briefly reviewed and analyzed. The following processes appear to subserve this mechanism:In the endothelial cell: receptor activation, activation of phospholipases, mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, synthesis and release of ‘endothelium-derived relaxing factor(s) (EDRF);In the smooth muscle cell: activation of guanyl cyclase and protein kinase, protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, relaxation. Alterations of this mechanism could be involved in certain cardiovascular disorders.