Nitric oxide synthase
eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase
iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase
EDHF
endothelium derived hyperpolarising factor
Angiotensin II receptors
AT2 receptor: stimulation of this receptor produces vasodilatation and is anti-proliferative
AT1 receptor: stimulation produces vasoconstriction, is pro-inflammatory
Brachial artery flow mediated vasodilation
A segment of brachial artery is measured by ultrasound and proximal occlusion is applied for a period of 5 minutes. Repeated measurement is taken after 1 minute and within 10 minutes, to assess the flow mediated vasodilation. More than 10% increase in the vessel diameter is taken as a positive response.