[Vasodilator nerves].

In addition to sympathetic vasoconstrictor nerves, nonadrenergic, noncholinergic vasodilator nerves control the vascular tone. In cerebral arteries of various species of animals, nitric oxide (NO) is a potential candidate for the vasodilator transmitter. In rat mesenteric arterioles, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) functions as a transmitter. In guinea pig mesenteric arteries, multiple transmitters including NO and CGRP mediate the vasodilator response. The physiological and pathophysiological significance of vasodilator nerves is to be determined.