Figure 1.

Interactions between the different vasodilator systems.

Note: Inhibitory pathways = arrows interrupted by oblique lines. Adapted from Valdés G, Kaufmann P, Corthorn J, Erices R, Brosnihan KB, Joyner-Grantham J. Vasodilator factors in the systemic and local adaptations to pregnancy. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009;7:799 with permission of the publisher, BioMed Central.

Abbreviations: ACE, angiotensin converting enzyme; AT-1-R, angiotensin II type 1 receptor; AT-2-R, angiotensin II type 2 receptor; B2R, bradykinin 2 receptor; eNOS, endothelial nitric oxide synthase; Flk, fetal liver kinase 1; Mas-R, Mas receptor; NO, nitric oxide; PGH₂, prostaglandin H₂; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; VEGF-R2, VEGF receptor 2.