The intrapulmonary artery (IPA) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) isolated from rat lungs can be used to study the underlying mechanisms of vasoconstriction and vasorelaxation. After isolating the IPA and VSMCs, the characteristics of vascular responses in physiological and pathological conditions can be assessed in the absence of extrinsic factors such as nerve signals, hormones, cytokines, etc. Thus, the IPA and VSMCs serve as excellent models for studying vascular physiology/pathophysiology, along with various experimental investigations, such as modulation by pharmacological agents, patch-clamp electrophysiological analysis, calcium imaging, etc.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCellulite is associated with a complex array of adipocytes under the skin and vascular system. A herbal compress that was previously developed was proven to have an anti-cellulite effect in healthy volunteers within 2 weeks of treatment. However, its mechanism and ingredients responsible for reducing cellulite were not known.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe leaves of spp. promote "physiological balance", and are "cardiotonic and provide blood nourishment". In Asia, these leaves are increasingly consumed as tea and claimed to provide benefits to cardiovascular function, albeit without any scientific proof.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFextract (BME) is an abundant source of bioactive compounds, including saponins and flavonoids known to produce vasodilation. However, it is unclear which components are the more effective vasodilators. The aim of this research was to investigate the vasorelaxant effects and mechanisms of action of saponins and flavonoids on rat isolated mesenteric arteries using the organ bath technique.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and progressive disease arising from various etiologies and pathogenesis. PAH decreases life expectancy due to pulmonary vascular remodeling, elevation of mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and ultimately progresses to heart failure. While clinical treatments are available to reduce the associated symptoms, a complete cure has yet to be found.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe describe the design, synthesis and evaluation of a series of N,N-diaminoquinazoline analogs as PDE5 inhibitors. Twenty compounds were prepared and these were assessed in terms of their PDE5 and PDE6 activity, ex-vivo vasodilation response, mammalian cytotoxicity and aqueous solubility. Molecular docking was used to determine the binding mode of the series and this was demonstrated to be consistent with the observed SAR.
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