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Effects of sodium nitrite on ultraviolet light-induced relaxation and ultraviolet light-dependent activation of guanylate cyclase in bovine mesenteric arteries

Journal Article · · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; (USA)

It was demonstrated that precontracted strips from different bovine mesenteric arteries showed variation in sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (366 nm). Some strips relaxed when they were exposed to ultraviolet light, others showed no sensitivity at all and, finally, some showed contraction. However, all arteries relaxed when they were irradiated with UV-light in the presence of 10 microM NaNO{sub 2}. Ultraviolet radiation (366 nm) increased the activity of guanylate cyclase in crude homogenate from bovine mesenteric arteries by about 20-fold in the presence of NaNO{sub 2}, while UV-light in the absence of sodium nitrite had no effect on the guanylate cyclase activation. These results support the notion that nitrite may be essential for vascular smooth muscle relaxation by UV-light, possibly through the release of nitric oxide.

OSTI ID:
6695029
Journal Information:
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; (USA), Journal Name: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications; (USA) Vol. 169:1; ISSN BBRCA; ISSN 0006-291X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English