CIGARETTE SMOKE-MODIFIED LOW-DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN IMPAIRS ENDOTHELIUM-DEPENDENT RELAXATION IN ISOLATED RABBIT ARTERIES

1. We investigated the effects of cigarette smoke-modified low density lipoprotein (CS-LDL) on endothelium dependent relaxations in various isolated rabbit arteries, and compared them with those of oxidized LDL (Ox LDL). 2. In aorta rings, acetylcholine induced endothelium depend ent relaxations were attenuated by preincubation with CS LDL and Ox LD L. Endothelium independent relaxations induced by sodium nitroprusside were not modified. Similar changes were observed in rings of coronary and basilar arteries. 3. These findings indicate that CS-LDL, as well as Ox-LDL, may decrease the release or activity of endothelium derive d relaxing factor in vascular endothelial cells.