Conducted dilatation to ATP and K⁺ in rat skeletal muscle arterioles.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

During exercise in humans, circulating levels of ATP and K⁺ increase at a time when blood flow increases to satisfy metabolic demand. Both molecules can activate arteriolar K⁺ channels to stimulate vasodilatation; here, it is established whether conducted dilatation is observed in a skeletal muscle bed.

Methods

Isolated and cannulated rat cremaster arterioles were used to assess both local and conducted responses. Agents were either added to the bath, focally pulse-ejected to the downstream end of arterioles, or in triple-cannulated arterioles, luminally perfused into the downstream branches to assess both local and conducted responses.

Results

The endothelium-dependent agonist ACh and the K_ATP channel opener levcromakalim each sti

SUBMITTER: Dora KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5215486 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature