🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

Nitric oxide (NO) acts as a vasodilator by:

A Blocking calcium channels
B Activating guanylyl cyclase to increase cGMP in vascular smooth muscle causing relaxation
C Inhibiting prostaglandins
D Increasing potassium channels

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

NO: produced by eNOS from L-arginine in endothelial cells. Diffuses to smooth muscle → activates soluble guanylyl cyclase → ↑cGMP → smooth muscle relaxation → vasodilation. Nitroglycerin releases NO.

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