The enzyme eNOS is crucial for regulating vascular function as it can produce both the vasodilator nitric oxide and the vasoconstrictor superoxide. Here it is shown that a modification associated with oxidant stress, S-glutathionylation, switches the enzyme from forming nitric oxide to forming superoxide. In hypertensive vessels, S-glutathionylation of eNOS is increased and this is associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
- Chun-An Chen
- Tse-Yao Wang
- Jay L. Zweier
