What is new in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors? Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2002 Mar;11(2):177-83
Date
02/22/2002Pubmed ID
11856910DOI
10.1097/00041552-200203000-00008Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0036186223 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 59 CitationsAbstract
The chemical identification and functional characterization of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors varies depending on vascular size, vascular bed and species. Three major candidates are the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid, potassium ion and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, electrical coupling through myoendothelial gap junctions serves to conduct electrical changes from the endothelium to the smooth muscle and may mediate or propagate hyperpolarization. Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors are important mediators of vascular relaxation most specifically in resistance sized arteries where they regulate tissue blood flow. The release of the factors is modulated by a number of influences including agonist stimulation, shear stress, estrogen and disease. This article reviews the latest studies concerning the characterization of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors, the mechanisms of factor release and alterations of the factors.
Author List
Campbell WB, Gauthier KMAuthor
William B. Campbell PhD Professor in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Biological FactorsDiabetes Mellitus
Estrogens
Humans
Hypertension
Insulin Resistance
Pulsatile Flow
Sex Characteristics
Stress, Mechanical
