The vascular endothelium synthesizes at least four potent vasodilator substances: nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin, carbon monoxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) that contribute to vasodilator tone, and to inhibition of platelet activation and inflammation. EDHF release is stimulated by receptor-dependent agonists such as acetylcholine and bradykinin (BK), and leads to hyperpolarization of the underlying smooth muscle cells presumably by opening Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Indirect pharmacological evidence suggests that EDHF is a cytochrome P450-derived arachidonic acid metabolite, presumably an epoxide. Although the pivotal role of NO to conduit vessel dilation in response to acute increases in shear stress is well known, its' contribution to dilation with sustained increases in flow are minimal, and may be due to EDHF release.
