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. 2011:2011:435132.
doi: 10.1155/2011/435132. Epub 2011 Nov 1.

The role of uridine adenosine tetraphosphate in the vascular system

Takayuki Matsumoto  1 , Rita C Tostes, R Clinton Webb
Affiliations

The role of uridine adenosine tetraphosphate in the vascular system

Takayuki Matsumoto et al. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2011.

Abstract

The endothelium plays a pivotal role in vascular homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction is a major feature of cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Recently, uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up(4)A) has been identified as a novel and potent endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF). Up(4)A structurally contains both purine and pyrimidine moieties, which activate purinergic receptors. There is an accumulating body of evidence to show that Up(4)A modulates vascular function by actions on endothelial and smooth muscle cells. In this paper, we discuss the effects of Up(4)A on vascular function and a potential role for Up(4)A in cardiovascular diseases.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Up4A and vascular tone. Details are shown in the text. Up4A may directly or indirectly activate L-type Ca2+ channel. NO: nitric oxide; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; EC: endothelial cell; SMC: smooth muscle cell; SR: sarcoplasmic reticulum; ERK: extracellular signal regulated kinase.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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