Interactions of oxidant stress and vascular reactivity.

Oxidants have complex effects on pulmonary vascular reactivity. They can stimulate production of vasoconstrictor arachidonate mediators and can also cause vasodilation through activation of guanylate cyclase. Oxidants can also inactivate vasomotor phenomenon by interfering with mechanisms of signal transduction or smooth muscle contraction. The final physiological response depends on the balance of these complex actions.