Positive feedback regulation of agonist-stimulated endothelial Ca2+ dynamics by KCa3.1 channels in mouse mesenteric arteries.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Intermediate and small conductance KCa channels IK1 (KCa3.1) and SK3 (KCa2.3) are primary targets of endothelial Ca(2+) signals in the arterial vasculature, and their ablation results in increased arterial tone and hypertension. Activation of IK1 channels by local Ca(2+) transients from internal stores or plasma membrane channels promotes arterial hyperpolarization and vasodilation. Here, we assess arteries from genetically altered IK1 knockout mice (IK1(-/-)) to determine whether IK1 channels exert a positive feedback influence on endothelial Ca(2+) dynamics.

Approach and results

Using confocal imaging and custom data analysis software, we found that although the occurrence of basal endothelial Ca(2+) dynamics was not different between IK1(-/-) and wild-type mice

SUBMITTER: Qian X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4181598 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature