Role of endothelial TRPV4 channels in vascular actions of the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Metabolites of the endocannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) have been postulated to act as endogenous activators of TRPV4, a Ca(2+) -permeable cation channel that plays a critical role in endothelium-dependent relaxation. However, it is unclear if TRPV4 contributes to the vascular actions of 2-AG.

Experimental approach

Isometric tension recording of rat small mesenteric arteries and aortae were used to assess the effect of 2-AG and the synthetic TRPV4 activator, GSK1016790A (GSK) on vascular reactivity. Changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and single-channel currents were measured in TRPV4-expressing human coronary endothelial cells.

Key results

In mesenteric arteries, endothelium-dependent relaxation to both 2-AG and GSK was atte

SUBMITTER: Ho WS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4950792 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature