Acute activation of endothelial AMPK surprisingly inhibits endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization-like relaxations in rat mesenteric arteries.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations (EDHs) contribute to the regulation of peripheral resistance. They are initiated through opening of endothelial calcium-activated potassium channels (K_Ca ); the potassium ions released then diffuse to the underlying smooth muscle cells, causing hyperpolarization and thus relaxation. The present study aimed to examine whether or not AMPK modulates EDH-like relaxations in rat mesenteric arteries.

Experimental approach

Arterial rings were isolated for isometric tension recording. AMPK activity and protein level were measured by ELISA and western blotting respectively.

Key results

The AMPK activator, AICAR, reduced ACh-induced EDH-like relaxations and increased AMPK activity in preparations with en

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6637042 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature