Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

As smooth muscle cell (SMC) membrane potential (E(m)) is critical for vascular responsiveness, and arteriolar SMCs are depolarized at physiological intraluminal pressures, we hypothesized that myogenic tone impacts on dilation mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH). Studies were performed on cannulated mouse cremaster arterioles [diameter, 33+/-2 microm (n=23) at 60 mmHg; SMC Em -34.6+/-1.2 mV (n=7)]. Myogenic activity was assessed as tone developed in response to intraluminal pressure. Functional observations were related to mRNA, protein expression, and anatomy. Acetylcholine concentration-response curves showed a modest shift following indomethacin (10 microM) and L-NAME (100 microM), although maximal vasodilation was achieved. Residual dilation was removed by apamin (1 microM) in combination with TRAM-34 (1 microM) or charybotoxin (0.1 microM), indicating the requirement of small (S) and intermediate (I) calcium-activated potassium channels (K(Ca)). Charybdotoxin, but not TRAM-34, caused vasoconstriction, presumably through the inhibition of SMC BK(Ca). Expression of SK3 and IK1 was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction, while myoendothelial junctions were common, suggesting a high degree of cell coupling. Also consistent with a role for endothelial K(Ca) channels, acetylcholine increased endothelium [Ca(2 +)](i). Apamin and TRAM-34 similarly blocked EDH-mediated dilation at intraluminal pressures of 30 and 90 mmHg, suggesting that in mouse arterioles, SK(Ca -) and IK(Ca -) mediated mechanisms predominate and operate independently of physiological levels of myogenic activation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1080/10739680902804042

Type

Journal article

Journal

Microcirculation

Publication Date

07/2009

Volume

16

Pages

377 - 390

Keywords

Animals, Arterioles, Endothelium, Vascular, Male, Membrane Potentials, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Muscle Proteins, Muscle, Skeletal, Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels, Vasoconstrictor Agents, Vasodilation, Vasodilator Agents