The Sound of Evolution
Nitroprusside
Mechanism of action:
Nitroprusside is a nitroferricyanide complex. After entering the bloodstream, nitroprusside reacts with hemoglobin or reducing substances in vascular smooth muscle and rapidly releases nitric oxide without relying on a specific metabolic enzyme. 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. Fortin Y et al. (2006). Role of cyclic GMP and calcineurin in homologous and heterologous desensitization of natriuretic peptide receptor-A. Can J Physiol Pharmacol.
2. Madhani M et al. (2006). Reciprocal regulation of human soluble and particulate guanylate cyclases in vivo. Br J Pharmacol.
3. Steinmetz M et al. (2004). Diverging vasorelaxing effects of C-type natriuretic peptide in renal resistance arteries and aortas of GC-A-deficient mice. Regul Pept.