| endothelium, vascular | Single pavement layer of cells which line the luminal surface of the entire vascular system and regulate the transport of macromolecules and blood components from interstitium to lumen; this function has been most intensively studied in the blood capillaries. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| endothelium-derived growth factor synthase | <enzyme> Converts l-arginine to a smooth muscle relaxing factor and stimulates the formation of cyclic-GMP Registry number: EC 1.5.1.- Synonym: edrf synthase (26 Jun 1999) |
| endothelium-derived relaxing factor | A labile humoral agent released by the vascular endothelium that mediates the relaxation induced by some vasodilators such as acetylcholine and bradykinin. Edrf also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. These actions are believed to be mediated through stimulation of guanylate cyclase and the consequent elevation of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate. Edrf is thought to be nitric oxide or a ready source of it. The factor is believed to be unstable and acts only locally in vivo. (12 Dec 1998) |