cGMP and cAMP inhibit tension development in skinned coronary arteries

The effects of physiological concentrations of cGMP and cAMP on tension development in skinned coronary arteries (Triton X-100) were studied. cGMP inhibited tension elicited at intermediate Ca2+ concentrations at pH 7.0 but not at more acidic or alkaline pH values. cAMP, on the other hand, decreased submaximal tension development independent of pH (from pH 6.5 to pH 7.2). Neither nucleotide affected tension development at maximally activating Ca2+ concentrations.