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The Sound of Evolution
Nitroglycerin
Mechanism of action:
Nitroglycerin is a nitrate ester vasodilator. After entering the body, nitroglycerin is metabolized by enzymes within vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to the release of nitric oxide and related compounds. Nitric oxide then diffuses through the cytoplasm, activates guanylate cyclase, increases cGMP concentration, lowers intracellular calcium levels, and causes vascular smooth muscle relaxation.
Reference(s):
1. Ignarro LJ et al. (2002). After 130 years, the molecular mechanism of action of nitroglycerin is revealed. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.
2. Chen Z et al. (2002). Identification of the enzymatic mechanism of nitroglycerin bioactivation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.
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