The transformation of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (CAS 16051-77-7, IS-5-MN) to the corresponding keto derivative and its ketoxime (oxime-nitrate derivative of isosorbide) is described. The effects of IS-5-MN and the new oxime-nitrate (ON) on the endothelial and smooth muscle cells of isolated rings of the rat superior mesenteric artery were examined. After contraction induced by phenylephrine, IS-5-MN (10(-8)-10(-4) mol/l) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation. Removal of the vascular endothelium strongly potentiated this effect. On the other hand, the new ON (10(-8)-10(-4) mol/l) was a more potent relaxant than the parent drug, but its effect was not dependent on the vascular endothelium. The inhibitory effect of the artery without endothelium to the new ON was more pronounced than that to IS-5-MN. The mechanism of the relaxant effect of the new compound consisted in the liberation of nitric-oxide (NO) which activated guanylate cyclase (GC), upon which accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) occurred, which was the second messenger leading to relaxation. Tolerance to the frequent applications of the new compound was not observed, moreover a slight increase of the effect was detected in comparison with IS-5-MN for which tolerance was observed to a great extent. Clinically, the new ON could be favorable in all types of angina in comparison with the classical IS-5-MN.