Vasoactive

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A hormone, drug or chemical which is capable of eliciting vasoconstrictive or vasodilative action on the vasculature. Examples include histamine and herparin, released at the sites of infection which stimulate vasodilation of arterioles and facilaitate an inflammatory response at the site of infection. Noradrenaline, adrenaline, bradykinin, serotonin, prostaglandin and vasopressin are also vasoactive hormones.