Editing Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (section)

== Physiological Functions and production ==
[[File:Microscopic anatomy of an artery en.svg|thumb|362x362px|Anatomical cross section of an artery: the "intima" is composed of endothelial cells]]
EDRF serves various functions, of which the most common and topical are vasodilation and the prevention of [[platelet adhesion]]. EDRF also plays a role in the production of [[Cyclic gmp|cyclic GMP]].{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

EDRF is produced from [[Arginine|L-arginine]] by an enzyme (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) that is dependent on calcium-calmodulin and [[NADPH]] - this occurs in the cardiac endothelium.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

EDRF then diffuses to the smooth muscle in vascular tissue (vessels may be large or small), here it enacts [[endogenous]] vasodilation. Moreover, it serves the function of preventing sympathetic vasoconstriction - when the sympathetic nervous system, reacting to a situation perceived as dangerous, attempts to raise blood pressure through vasoconstriction.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

The NO compound is also capable of reducing clotting in the blood stream due to its ability to prevent platelet adhesion and aggregation.<ref name=":1">{{Citation |last1=Pirahanchi |first1=Yasaman |title=Physiology, Endothelial Derived Relaxation Factor |date=2022 |url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537010/ |work=StatPearls |place=Treasure Island (FL) |publisher=StatPearls Publishing |pmid=30725695 |access-date=2023-01-21 |last2=Marsidi |first2=Jennifer L. |last3=Brown |first3=Kristen N.}}</ref>