Vasoinhibitory action of KT2-734, an antihypertensive agent, in isolated rat aorta

In rat aorta, KT2-734 inhibited contractile responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and KCl. KT2-734 inhibited the relaxing effect of verapamil, but not nifedipine. Similarly, verapamil, but not nifedipine, inhibited the vasorelaxing effect of KT2-734. KT2-734 relaxation was inhibited by endothelium removal but not by atropine and propranolol. Methylene blue, a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, and NG-monomethyl arginine also inhibited the relaxation both in the presence and absence of endothelium. In the absence of endothelium, KT2-734 potentiated the relaxation induced by L-arginine, nitroglycerin and isoproterenol. In addition, M & B 22,948, a cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and theophylline inhibited and potentiated, respectively, KT2-734-induced relaxation. However, methylene blue inhibited the potentiation of isoproterenol relaxation by KT2-734 and that of KT2-734-relaxation by theophylline. KT2-734 caused increases in the level of cGMP without significantly affecting the cAMP level. These results suggest that KT2-734 may cause endothelium-independent relaxation mainly due to inhibition of cGMP-phosphodiesterase.