endothelium-derived relaxing factor

chemical compound

Also known as: EDRF

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June 17, 2026

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Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is a signaling molecule discovered by Robert F. Furchgott. EDRF is produced by the inner lining of blood vessels and signals the smooth muscle cells in the vessel walls to relax, causing the vessels to widen. This process allows for increased blood flow. Louis Ignarro's research later identified EDRF as nitric oxide (NO), a colorless, odorless gas. This discovery, along with work by Ferid Murad, revealed a new mechanism for blood vessel relaxation and led to advancements in treating conditions like heart disease and erectile dysfunction, including the development of drugs like Viagra.12

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Robert F. Furchgott
The molecule, which he named endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), signals smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls to relax, dilating the vessels. Furchgott’s work would eventually be linked with research done by Murad in 1977, which showed that nitroglycerin and several related heart drugs induce the formation of nitric oxide,…
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The molecule, which he named endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), signals smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls to relax, dilating the vessels. Furchgott’s work would eventually be linked with research done by Murad in 1977, which showed that nitroglycerin and several related heart drugs induce the formation of nitric oxide,…
Read More

Louis Ignarro
…signaling molecule, which he named endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). EDRF signals the smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls to relax, thereby dilating the vessels.
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…signaling molecule, which he named endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). EDRF signals the smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls to relax, thereby dilating the vessels.
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Ferid Murad
…signaling molecule, which he named endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). This molecule signals smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls to relax, dilating the vessels. Ignarro’s research, conducted in 1986 and done independently of Furchgott’s work, identified EDRF as nitric oxide. These discoveries led to the development of the anti-impotence drug…
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…signaling molecule, which he named endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF). This molecule signals smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls to relax, dilating the vessels. Ignarro’s research, conducted in 1986 and done independently of Furchgott’s work, identified EDRF as nitric oxide. These discoveries led to the development of the anti-impotence drug…
Read More