Endothelium influences coronary and aortic vasomotion by release of an unstable humoral factor.

Using an isolated perfused coronary-artery preparation, we have demonstrated the ability of endothelium inhibit markedly to vasomotion in rabbit coronary arteries. Using a bioassay system, we have shown this effect to be mediated via the release of an unstable humoral agent (t 1/2 approximately equal to 6 sec) from endothelial cells, and we have partially characterized its chemical nature.