Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025

Measurement of Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) in Solid Tissues using Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Published on: July 3, 2025
Pharmacological developments in antihypertensive treatment through nitric oxide-cGMP modulation
Annika A Jüttner1, A H Jan Danser1, Anton J M Roks1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Disease and Pharmacology, Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Optimizing hypertension treatment by targeting nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling shows promise. This pathway is key for vasodilation, offering a viable strategy to manage high blood pressure risks.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Current hypertension treatments targeting vasoconstriction, cardiac contractility, and blood volume regulation often fail to achieve target blood pressure in outpatients.
- The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathway is a crucial mediator of vasodilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review challenges within the NO-cGMP signaling system in hypertension.
- To explore existing and ongoing attempts to correct these signaling problems for improved hypertension management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NO-cGMP signaling in hypertension.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting the NO-cGMP pathway.
- Discussion of potential applications of newly developed, clinically safe medications.
Main Results:
- The NO-cGMP pathway presents a significant therapeutic target for hypertension.
- Several strategies to address dysfunctions in this pathway are under investigation.
- Existing medications approved for other conditions may be repurposed for essential systemic hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Despite research challenges, stimulating the NO-cGMP pathway remains a promising strategy for hypertension treatment.
- Targeting NO-cGMP signaling offers a viable approach to mitigate the health risks associated with chronic hypertension.
Abstract:
Treatment of hypertension until now has been directed at inhibition of vasoconstriction, of cardiac contractility and of blood volume regulation. Despite the arsenal of drugs available for this purpose, the control of target blood pressure is still a difficult goal to reach in outpatients. The nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling is one of the most important mediators of vasodilation. It might therefore be a potential and most welcome drug target for optimization of the treatment of hypertension. In this chapter we review the problems that can occur in this signaling system, the attempts that have been made to correct these problems, and those that are still under investigation. Recently developed, clinically safe medicines that are currently approved for other applications, such as myocardial infarction, await to be tested for essential systemic hypertension. We conclude that despite many years of research without translation, stimulation of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate is still a viable strategy in the prevention of the health risk posed by chronic hypertension.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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....
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Antianginal Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers and Ranolazine
CCBs, a diverse class that includes dihydropyridines (nifedipine) and diphenylalkylamines (verapamil and diltiazem), exert their effect by blocking calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells. This...

