Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

En Face Detection of Nitric Oxide and Superoxide in Endothelial Layer of Intact Arteries
Published on: February 25, 2016
Novel nitric oxide donors reverse endothelin-1-mediated constriction in human blood vessels
1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, UK.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease is associated with elevated circulating plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1). Our aim was to compare the ability of the nitric oxide donors (NO-donors) 3-morpholinylsydnonimine (SIN-1) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) with the novel nitric oxide donors (NONOates) diethylamine NONOate (DEA/NO), and diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA/NO) in order to physiologically antagonize ET-1-mediated constriction of human internal mammary arteries (IMA) in vitro. Both SNAP and DETA/NO caused a significant rightward shift in the ET-1 concentration-response curve. All four NO-donors were found to completely reverse an established contraction to a submaximal concentration ET-1 (decreasing order potency: SNAP >DEA/NO > SIN-1 > DETA/NO). These data suggest that the NONOates DEA/NO and DETA/NO can physiologically antagonize the effects of ET-1 in human arteries and may prove to be useful therapeutic agents in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Related Concept Videos
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Vasodilators
Antianginal Drugs: Nitrates and β-Blockers
Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, play a pivotal role. Once metabolized, they liberate nitric oxide, a molecular marvel. Nitric oxide triggers guanylyl cyclase and augments cGMP production. This biochemical cascade orchestrates the relaxation of vascular smooth muscles, ushering in vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Administered...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...

