Question
What is the involved mechanism of action through which nitric oxide functions as a vasodilator?
| A. |
Prostaglandins
|
| B. |
Amylase
|
| C. |
Interleukin
|
| D. |
cGMP
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � D
Explanation
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|
One of the major mechanisms through which the vasodilatory effects of Nitric Oxide are mediated is the production of the second messenger cyclic through cGMP.
Nitric oxide binds to the soluble enzyme guanylyl cyclase, activaing the enzyme and increaseing intracellular levels of cGMP. The elevated cGMP levels stimulate cGMP dependant kinases. These kinases are thought to phosphorylate specific muscle proteins causing relaxation.
Option A: Prostaglandins
Nitric oxide helps regulate prostaglandin synthesis but does not increase it.
Option B: Amylase
Nitric oxide helps in the regulation of amylase synthesis but does not act to increase its levels.
Option C: Interleukin
Interleukin-1 beta significantly stimulates nitric oxide formation in the absence of other cytokines or lipopolysaccharides in the cultured rat hepatocytes but not in Kupffer cells.
