Ceramide Changes the Mediator of Flow-Induced Vasodilation From Nitric Oxide to Hydrogen Peroxide in the Human Microcirculation

Abstract

Our data indicate that ceramide has an integral role in the transition of the mediator of FID from nitric oxide to mitochondrial-derived H2O2 and that inhibition of ceramide production can revert the mechanism of dilation back to nitric oxide. Ceramide may be an important target for preventing and treating vascular dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis.