Editing Isosorbide dinitrate (section)

==Mechanism of action==
Similar to other nitrites and organic nitrates, isosorbide dinitrate is converted to [[nitric oxide]] (NO), an active intermediate compound which activates the enzyme [[guanylate cyclase]] (atrial natriuretic peptide receptor A). This stimulates the synthesis of [[cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate]] ([[cyclic guanosine monophosphate|cGMP]]) which then activates a series of protein kinase-dependent phosphorylations in the smooth muscle cells, eventually resulting in the dephosphorylation of the myosin light chain of the smooth muscle fiber. The subsequent sequestration of calcium ions results in the relaxation of the smooth muscle cells and vasodilation.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Rang HP, Ritter J, Flower RJ, Henderson G |title=Pharmacology |publisher=Elsevier |isbn=978-0-7020-5362-7 |pages=261 |edition=8th | date = 2016 }}</ref>