Endothelium independent relaxation of human coronary arteries by 17 -oestradiol in vitro

Abstract

17 beta-Oestradiol produced an endothelium independent relaxation of precontracted human coronary arteries in vitro, and this effect was associated with an increase in both cyclic AMP and the cyclic GMP content. This direct relaxant effect of oestrogens on coronary arteries may contribute to the beneficial effects of oestrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.