A method of stimulating the expression of endothelial NO-synthase in a
mammal, which method comprises administering a physiologically active
amount of 4-fluoro-N-indan- 2-yl benzamide according to the formula (I)
##STR00001## to the said mammal. Compound (I) can be used for the
therapy and prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases like stable and
unstable angina pectoris, Prinzmetal angina (spasm), acute coronary
syndrome, heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, thrombosis,
peripheral artery occlusive disease PAOD, atherosclerosis, restenosis,
endothelial damage after PTCA, essential hypertension, pulmonary
hypertension, secondary hypertension, renovascular chronic
glomerulonephritis, erectile dysfunction, ventricular arrhythmia, and the
lowering of cardiovascular risk of postmenopausal women or after intake
of contraceptives, the therapy and prophylaxis of diabetes and diabetes
complications (nephropathy, retinopathy), angiogenesis, asthma
bronchiale, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis of the liver, restricted
memory performance or a restricted ability to learn.