ABSTRACT
Numerous laboratories have each investigated phosphodiesterase expression in contractile and synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from several species including human, monkey, baboon, cow, dog, rat, and mouse. The cyclic nucleotides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, regulate numerous functions in most cells, including those of the cardiovascular system. Healthy arteries in the cardiovascular system function to conduct and distribute oxygenated blood, nutrients, and hormones to tissues and organs. The major forms of Cardiovascular disease include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and hypertension, each of which can cause death or long-term disability. Vascular remodeling, which occurs as a physiological response to alterations in blood flow, blood pressure, or arterial injury resultant from these diseases, contributes to overall long-term pathology. The most inner layer, the intimal layer, consists of vascular endothelial cells, which line the lumen and play a central role in coordinating the functions of blood vessels as well as several blood-borne cells, including leukocytes and platelets.
