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Cyclic AMP and mechanisms of vasodilation
1Department of Cellular Pharmacology, Smith Kline & French Research Ltd, Welwyn Herts, U.K.
Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|January 1, 1990
Abstract:
Cyclic AMP and the mechanism of vasodilation have been reviewed by first discussing the enzymes involved (adenyl cyclase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases, cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase) and then agents that increase cAMP in smooth muscle. Two mechanisms of vasodilation are described: (i) effects on contractile proteins; (ii) effects on Ca2+ levels. Evidence for compartments of cAMP is also presented.