Proinflammatory Mediators Chronically Downregulate the Formation of the Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor in Arteries Via a Nitric Oxide/Cyclic GMP–Dependent Mechanism

Abstract

Proinflammatory mediators inhibit the formation of EDHF in isolated arteries. This impairment is coincident with NOS II expression in the arterial wall and seems to be mediated through the induced generation of NO, which downregulates the putative EDHF-forming enzyme. Thus, a decreased formation of EDHF may contribute to the endothelial dysfunction in arteriosclerosis and sepsis.