D. J. Conklin

A common plant-derived biogenic volatile organic compound, α-pinene, and two of its metabolites, myrtenol and verbenol, stimulate vasorelaxation in murine superior mesenteric artery. Both α-pinene- and its metabolites induce vasorelaxation by activation of the endothelium, nitric oxide, and guanylyl cyclase. α-Pinene also activates the transient receptor potential ankyrin-1. Positive associations between greenness exposure and human cardiovascular health may be a result of the vascular action of α-pinene and its metabolites, a novel consideration.