A mathematical model of vasoreactivity in rat mesenteric arterioles. II. Conducted vasoreactivity.

ABSTRACT: This study presents a multicellular computational model of a rat mesenteric arteriole to investigate the signal transduction mechanisms involved in the generation of conducted vasoreactivity. The model comprises detailed descriptions of endothelial (ECs) and smooth muscle (SM) cells (SMCs), coupled by nonselective gap junctions. With strong myoendothelial coupling, local agonist stimulation of the EC or SM layer causes local changes in membrane potential (V(m)) that are conducted electrotonically, primarily through the endothelium. When myoendothelial coupling is weak, signals initiated in the SM conduct poorly, but the sensitivity of the SMCs to current injection and agonist stimulation increases. Thus physiological transmembrane currents can induce different levels of local V(m) change,

SUBMITTER: Kapela A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2806131 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature