Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Analytical Techniques for Assaying Nitric Oxide Bioactivity
Published on: June 18, 2012
What is the relationship between the endothelium derived relaxant factor and nitric oxide?
1Department of Pharmacology, Smith Kline and French Laboratories, King of Prussia, PA 19406-2799.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide gas in solution (NO) relaxes blood vessels with similar actions and pharmacodynamics as the endothelium derived relaxant factor (EDRF) and has been proposed to be a component of the materials released from stimulated endothelial cells. Certain data however suggest that EDRF and NO may not be identical. In some non-vascular smooth muscles, NO and EDRF exhibit markedly different pharmacologic profiles. Furthermore the interaction of EDRF and NO with anion exchange resins differ. The hypothesis that EDRF is identical to nitric oxide gas in solution or a nitrogen oxide containing compound is discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Paracrine Signaling
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
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...
Autoregulation of Blood Flow
Chemical Signaling in Autoregulation
Chemical signaling operates at the precapillary sphincter level, inciting either contraction or relaxation.

