The Endothelial Cytochrome P-450 Pathway and Cardiac Contractility

Abstract

There is evidence that the activation of a Cytochrome P- 450 (CYP) epoxygenase in endothelial cells is an essential step in nitric oxide (NO)- and prostacyclin-independent vasodilatation of several vascular beds, particularly in the heart and kidney. Specific CYPs localized in the vascular smooth muscle and endothelium contribute to the regulation of coronary vasomotor tone and cardiac function. CYP enzymes can metabolize arachidonic acid to substances which affect arterial tone.Moreover, CYPepoxygenase and CYP-hydroxylase products are intracellular signal transduction molecules involved in several signalling cascades affecting numerous cellular processes, including vascular cell proliferation and angiogenesis. [...]