Cigarette smoke-modified low density lipoprotein impairs endothelium-dependent relaxation in isolated rabbit arteries.

1. We investigated the effects of cigarette smoke-modified low-density lipoprotein (CS-LDL) on endothelium-dependent relaxations in various isolated rabbit arteries, and compared them with those of oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL). 2. In aorta rings, acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations were attenuated by preincubation with CS-LDL and Ox-LDL. Endothelium-independent relaxations induced by sodium nitroprusside were not modified. Similar changes were observed in rings of coronary and basilar arteries. 3. These findings indicate that CS-LDL, as well as Ox-LDL, may decrease the release or activity of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in vascular endothelial cells.