FORMATION BY THE ENDOTHELIUM OF PROSTACYCLIN, NITRIC-OXIDE AND ENDOTHELIN

Prostacyclin and nitric oxide (NO) are two labile vasorelaxant and ant i-aggregatory substances which are released by receptor activation and in response to shear forces acting on endothelial cells, whereas the potent constrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is probably slowly rel eased and exerts long-term control over the cardiovascular system. Thi s review deals with the synthesis, release and pharmacological actions of prostacyclin, NO and ET-1, as well as the diseases which might res ult from their under- or over-production.