ATP: the red blood cell link to NO and local control of the pulmonary circulation

The role of mechanical deformation in the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by red blood cells (RBCs) and the role of RBC-mediated release of ATP in the synthesis of NO were analyzed in human, rabbit and dog RBC. Mechanical deformation induced the release of ATP by human and rabbit RBCs which enhanced the synthesis of endogenous NO in the pulmonary circulation. However, mechanical deformation did not induce the release of ATP in dog RBCs.