Vascular hyperpolarization in human physiology and cardiovascular risk conditions and disease

• Published in: Acta Physiologica Vol. 219; no. 1; pp. 124 - 137
• Main Authors: Schinzari, F., Tesauro, M., Cardillo, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Arterioles - metabolism; Cardiovascular disease; Cardiovascular Diseases - metabolism; Cardiovascular Diseases - physiopathology; cardiovascular risk factors; Endothelium; Endothelium, Vascular - metabolism; Endothelium, Vascular - physiopathology; Humans; hyperpolarization; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - metabolism; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular - physiopathology; Nitric Oxide - metabolism; perivascular adipose tissue; Potassium Channels - metabolism; Smooth muscle; Vasodilation - physiology; perivascular adipose tissue; endothelium; hyperpolarization; cardiovascular risk factors

Hyperpolarization causing smooth muscle relaxation contributes to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, particularly in small‐calibre arteries and arterioles. It may also become a compensatory vasodilator mechanism upregulated in states with impaired nitric oxide (NO) availability. Bioassay of va...