Endothelial Nitric Oxide Suppresses Action-Potential-Like Transient Spikes and Vasospasm in Small Resistance Arteries.

ABSTRACT: Endothelial dysfunction in small arteries is a ubiquitous, early feature of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. Dysfunction reflects reduced bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and depressed endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization that enhances vasoreactivity. We measured smooth muscle membrane potential and tension, smooth muscle calcium, and used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in small arteries and isolated tubes of endothelium to investigate how dysfunction enhances vasoreactivity. Rat nonmyogenic mesenteric resistance arteries developed vasomotion to micromolar phenylephrine (α₁-adrenoceptor agonist); symmetrical vasoconstrictor oscillations mediated by L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs). Inhibiting NO syn

SUBMITTER: Smith JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7418934 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature