Apelin Reduces Nitric Oxide-Induced Relaxation of Cerebral Arteries by Inhibiting Activation of Large-Conductance, Calcium-Activated K Channels.

ABSTRACT: Activation of the apelin/APJ receptor signaling system causes endothelium-dependent and nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxation in several peripheral arteries. The effects of apelin in cerebral arteries are unknown; however, apelin inhibits voltage-dependent increases in large-conductance, calcium-activated K channel (BKCa) currents in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. Because NO-induced relaxation of cerebral arteries is mediated, in part, by activation of BKCa channels, the goals of this study were to determine the net effect of apelin in cerebral arteries, as well as test the hypothesis that the actions of apelin in cerebral arteries are secondary to stimulation of APJ receptors. Immunoblot and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses detected APJ receptor

SUBMITTER: Mughal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5890950 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature