Vascular actions of relaxin: nitric oxide and beyond
Date
2017
Authors
Leo, C.H.
Jelinic, M.
Ng, H.H.
Marshall, S.A.
Novak, J.
Tare, M.
Conrad, K.P.
Parry, L.J.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
British Journal of Pharmacology, 2017; 174(10):1002-1014
Statement of Responsibility
C H Leo, M Jelinic, H H Ng, S A Marshall, J Novak, M Tare, K P Conrad and L J Parry
Conference Name
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin regulates the essential maternal haemodynamic adaptations in early pregnancy through direct actions on the renal and systemic vasculature. These vascular actions of relaxin occur mainly through endothelium-derived NO-mediated vasodilator pathways and improvements in arterial compliance in small resistance-size arteries. This work catalysed a plethora of studies which revealed quite heterogeneous responses across the different regions of the vasculature, and also uncovered NO-independent mechanisms of relaxin action. In this review, we first describe the role of endogenous relaxin in maintaining normal vascular function, largely referring to work in pregnant and male relaxin-deficient animals. We then discuss the diversity of mechanisms mediating relaxin action in different vascular beds, including the involvement of prostanoids, VEGF, endothelium-derived hyperpolarisation and antioxidant activity in addition to the classic NO-mediated vasodilatory pathway. We conclude the review with current perspectives on the vascular remodelling capabilities of relaxin. LINKED ARTICLES:This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Themed Section: Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors
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Rights
© 2016 The British Pharmacological Society