Endothelial cells lining blood vessels can produce large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). The NO diffuses out of the endothelial cells and into smooth muscle cells that are in close proximity. In the smooth muscle cells, NO binds to an enzyme, X, to rapidly increase intracellular levels of Y. Y causes rapid relaxation of smooth muscle cells surrounding the blood vessels. The actions of the Y molecule are controlled by enzyme Z which degrades protein Y into a non-functional form, blocking vasoconstriction and retaining high blood flow. Identify molecules X, Y and Z and explain how the drug Viagra targets this pathway.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
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Endothelial cells lining blood vessels can produce large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). The NO diffuses out of the endothelial cells and into smooth muscle cells that are in close proximity. In the smooth muscle cells, NO binds to an enzyme, X, to rapidly increase intracellular levels of Y. Y causes rapid relaxation of smooth muscle cells surrounding the blood vessels. The actions of the Y molecule are controlled by enzyme Z which degrades protein Y into a non-functional form, blocking vasoconstriction and retaining high blood flow. Identify molecules X, Y and Z and explain how the drug Viagra targets this pathway.
Expert Solution
Step 1: NO as vasodilator

NO acts as a potent vasodilator in smooth muscle cells. It is synthesized  and released by the vascular endothelium and reaches to neighbouring smooth muscle cells by diffusion. 


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