The effects of endothelium removal (E−), L-NAME, losartan, enalapril, SOD, catalase and apocynin on the sensitivity (pD2) and maximal response (Emax) to phenylephrine in aortic rings from cadmium-treated and control rats.

The results are expressed as the mean ± SEM; Emax, maximal effect expressed as a percentage of the response induced by 75 mM KCl; pD2, -log one-half Emax. E- endothelium removal, E+ intact endothelium, SOD, superoxide dismutase. Pvs control rats (#) and cadmium-treated rats (*), determined using Student’s t-test.