Heterogeneity of the response of venous smooth muscle to arterial endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in respect of the role of nitric oxide.

In bioassay and organ bath experiments, the responses of different canine venous preparations to arterial and their own EDRF were studied. Vena jugularis, vena femoralis and vena mesenterica relaxed on both EDRFs released by acetylcholine. Vena saphena, venae cordis and vena portae did not show endothelium-dependent dilation, either under bioassay or in organ bath experiments. All the veins tested relaxed completely after sodium nitroprusside administration. The identity of EDRF and nitric oxide is not confirmed by this study.