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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
TNF-alpha alters nitric oxide- and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated vasodilatation in human
J C Gillham1, J E Myers, P N Baker
1Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Human Development, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK.
Objective:
To investigate the effect of TNF-alpha on the endothelial function of human systemic arteries.
Methods:
Omental arteries were obtained from healthy pregnant women undergoing Cesarean section and examined using isometric wire myography.
Results:
Incubation with TNF-alpha (1nM) alone did not alter bradykinin-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation of arteries. However, TNF-alpha did attenuate nitric oxide- (NO) and prostacyclin-independent endothelial-mediated relaxation. Similarly, in vessels constricted with a high potassium solution (60 mM), which inhibits vasodilatation via endothelial-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF), TNF-alpha incubation also attenuated bradykinin-induced vasodilatation.
Conclusions:
The vasorelaxant capacity of human systemic arteries is compromised by TNF-alpha incubation in the presence of NO/prostacyclin or EDHF-blockade.
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