[Inhibition of thrombocyte aggregation and adhesion by endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF) and their...

Changes in viscous drag acting upon the endothelial lining and a number of circulating agonists (ATP, ADP, serotonin, thrombin) stimulate the release of EDRF from intact endothelial cells. EDRF is probably identical with nitric oxide (NO), the vasoactive compound which is also formed in the metabolism of nitrovasodilators in the vasculature (some of them directly release NO without the essential foregoing bioconversion step). Albuminally released NO stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in the vasculature initiating vasodilation; luminally released NO stimulates, sGC in platelets and increases cyclic GMP inhibiting platelet activation and aggregation. Endothelial impairment brings about loss of dilator and antiaggregant capacity.