Mechanisms underlying the vascular relaxation induced by a new nitric oxide generator

► The stable configuration of the compound cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy−)2(Cl)(NO2-)] is able to induces vascular relaxation. ► The vascular smooth muscle relaxation induced by cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy−)2(Cl)(NO2-)] depends mainly of sGC activation. ► Our data indicate that the cis-[Ru(H-dcbpy−)2(Cl)(NO2-)] complex is an NO generator instead of a nitrite donor.