C007 Redox-sensitive activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase by catechins: role of hydroxyl moieties

Conclusions EGCg caused endothelium-dependent relaxations of coronary arteries via the redox-sensitive formation of NO in endothelial cells. The stimulatory effect does not involve major intracellular sources of ROS including the mitochondrial respiratory chain, xanthine oxidase, NADPH oxidase and cytochrome P450 but is critically dependent on the presence of hydroxyl groups possibly leading to auto-oxidation of the polyphenol.