Nitric oxide the gatekeeper of endothelial vasomotor control

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.