Molecular pathways of cyclic nucleotide‐induced inhibition of arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation

Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cGMP) are second messengers involved in the intracellular signal transduction of a wide variety of extracellular stimuli. These signals regulate many biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Recently, significant progress has been achieved in the molecular basis underlying cyclic nucleotide regulation of cell proliferation. This review summarizes our knowledge of the signaling pathways regulated by cyclic nucleotides in arterial smooth muscle cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 186:1–10, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.