Cyclic GMP as the mediator of molsidomine-induced vasodilatation

The mode of action of the in vitro active metabolites SIN-1 and SIN-1A of the vasodilator prodrug molsidomine was studied in bovine coronary artery strips. Both compounds increased cyclic GMP levels in close association with, but prior to their relaxing action. Relaxation and rises in cyclic GMP by SIN-1 were potentiated by M & B 22,948, an inhibitor of cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase and attenuated by methylene blue, a dye that inhibits activation of guanylate cyclase by SIN-1 and various nitrovasodilators. A single significant correlation between rises in cGMP and relaxation was obtained for both SIN compounds and various nitrovasodilators. Relaxation by SIN-1A was independent of the presence of endothelium and was not affected by various inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism. In contrast to nitroglycerin, SIN-1 did not induce substantial tolerance nor were its actions reduced in artery strips that were tolerant to nitroglycerin. The results indicate that SIN-1A relaxes coronary smooth muscle by a direct stimulant effect on soluble guanylate cyclase in vascular smooth muscle cells.