Data Supplements Plasmin induces endothelium-dependent nitric oxide-mediated relaxation in the porcine coronary artery

Tissue preparation The segments of the right coronary arteries (2-3 cm from the origin) were excised from the porcine hearts at a local slaughterhouse immediately after the animals had been slaughtered. The segments were brought back to the laboratory in ice-cold normal physiological salt solution (PSS). After removing the adventitia, the segments were cut into strips in a circular direction, and then were opened longitudinally (approximately 1 mm wide, 5 mm long, and 0.1 mm thick). Care was taken to avoid damaging the endothelial cells. The strips without endothelium were prepared by rubbing off the inner surface with a cotton swab.