The present invention relates to triaza- and tetraaza-anthracenedione derivatives of the formula I, ##STR00001## wherein A, B and R.sup.1 to R.sup.5 are as defined herein. The compounds of formula I are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. They are useful in the treatment of various disease states including cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension and cardiac insufficiency. They upregulate the expression of the enzyme endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and can be applied in conditions in which an increased expression of said enzyme or an increased NO level or the normalization of a decreased NO level is desired. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula I, their use, in particular as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations comprising them.