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Origins of variation in conducted vasomotor responses. Pflugers Arch 2014; 467:2055-67. [PMID: 25420525 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-014-1649-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of blood flow in the microcirculation depends on synchronized vasomotor responses. The vascular conducted response is a synchronous dilatation or constriction, elicited by a local electrical event that spreads along the vessel wall. Despite the underlying electrical nature, however, the efficacy of conducted responses varies significantly between different initiating stimuli within the same vascular bed as well as between different vascular beds following the same stimulus. The differences have stimulated proposals of different mechanisms to account for the experimentally observed variation. Using a computational approach that allows for introduction of structural and electrophysiological heterogeneity, we systematically tested variations in both arteriolar electrophysiology and modes of stimuli. Within the same vessel, our simulations show that conduction efficacy is influenced by the type of cell being stimulated and, in case of depolarization, by the stimulation strength. Particularly, simultaneous stimulation of both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells augments conduction. Between vessels, the specific electrophysiology determines membrane resistance and conduction efficiency-notably depolarization or radial currents reduce electrical spread. Random cell-cell variation, ubiquitous in biological systems, only cause small or no reduction in conduction efficiency. Collectively, our simulations can explain why CVRs from hyperpolarizing stimuli tend to conduct longer than CVRs from depolarizing stimuli and why agonists like acetylcholine induce CVRs that tend to conduct longer than electrical injections. The findings demonstrate that although substantial heterogeneity is observed in conducted responses, it can be largely ascribed to the origin of electrical stimulus combined with the specific electrophysiological properties of the arteriole. We conclude by outlining a set of "principles of electrical conduction" in the microcirculation.
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Kochukov MY, Balasubramanian A, Abramowitz J, Birnbaumer L, Marrelli SP. Activation of endothelial transient receptor potential C3 channel is required for small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel activation and sustained endothelial hyperpolarization and vasodilation of cerebral artery. J Am Heart Assoc 2014; 3:jah3649. [PMID: 25142058 PMCID: PMC4310376 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.114.000913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Transient receptor potential C3 (TRPC3) has been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of vascular tone through endothelial cell (EC) hyperpolarization and endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization–mediated vasodilation. However, the mechanism by which TRPC3 regulates these processes remains unresolved. We tested the hypothesis that endothelial receptor stimulation triggers rapid TRPC3 trafficking to the plasma membrane, where it provides the source of Ca2+ influx for small conductance calcium‐activated K+ (SKCa) channel activation and sustained EC hyperpolarization. Methods and Results Pressurized artery studies were performed with isolated mouse posterior cerebral artery. Treatment with a selective TRPC3 blocker (Pyr3) produced significant attenuation of endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization–mediated vasodilation and endothelial Ca2+ response (EC‐specific Ca2+ biosensor) to intraluminal ATP. Pyr3 treatment also resulted in a reduced ATP‐stimulated global Ca2+ and Ca2+ influx in primary cultures of cerebral endothelial cells. Patch‐clamp studies with freshly isolated cerebral ECs demonstrated 2 components of EC hyperpolarization and K+ current activation in response to ATP. The early phase was dependent on intermediate conductance calcium‐activated K+ channel activation, whereas the later sustained phase relied on SKCa channel activation. The SKCa channel–dependent phase was completely blocked with TRPC3 channel inhibition or in ECs of TRPC3 knockout mice and correlated with increased trafficking of TRPC3 (but not SKCa channel) to the plasma membrane. Conclusions We propose that TRPC3 dynamically regulates SKCa channel activation through receptor‐dependent trafficking to the plasma membrane, where it provides the source of Ca2+ influx for sustained SKCa channel activation, EC hyperpolarization, and endothelium‐dependent hyperpolarization–mediated vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Y Kochukov
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (M.Y.K., A.B., S.P.M.)
| | - Adithya Balasubramanian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (M.Y.K., A.B., S.P.M.)
| | - Joel Abramowitz
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Research, Triangle Park, NC (J.A., L.B.)
| | - Lutz Birnbaumer
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Research, Triangle Park, NC (J.A., L.B.)
| | - Sean P Marrelli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (M.Y.K., A.B., S.P.M.) Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Graduate Program in Physiology, Cardiovascular Sciences Track, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX (S.P.M.)
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Hayoz S, Bradley V, Boerman EM, Nourian Z, Segal SS, Jackson WF. Aging increases capacitance and spontaneous transient outward current amplitude of smooth muscle cells from murine superior epigastric arteries. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 306:H1512-24. [PMID: 24705555 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00492.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BKCa) contribute to negative feedback regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) tone. However, the effects of aging on BKCa function are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that aging alters SMC BKCa function in superior epigastric arteries (SEAs) by using perforated patch recording of enzymatically isolated SMCs from 3- to 4-mo-old male C57BL/6 mice (Young) and 24- to 26-mo-old male C57BL/6 mice (Old). SMC capacitance from Young (15.7 ± 0.4 pF; n = 110) was less than Old (17.9 ± 0.5 pF; n = 104) (P < 0.05). SMCs displayed spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) at membrane potentials more positive than -30 mV; depolarization increased STOC amplitude and frequency (P < 0.05; n = 19-24). STOC frequency in Young (2.2 ± 0.6 Hz) was less than Old (4.2 ± 0.7 Hz) at -10 mV (P < 0.05, n = 27-30), with no difference in amplitude (1.0 ± 0.1 vs. 0.9 ± 0.1 pA/pF, respectively). At +30 mV, STOC amplitude in Young (3.2 ± 0.3 pA/pF) was less than Old (5.0 ± 0.5 pA/pF; P < 0.05, n = 61-67) with no difference in frequency (3.9 ± 0.4 vs. 3.2 ± 0.3 Hz, respectively). BKCa blockers (1 μM paxilline, 100 nM iberiotoxin, 1 mM tetraethylammonium) or a ryanodine receptor antagonist (100 μM tetracaine) inhibited STOCs (n ≥ 6; P < 0.05 each). Western blots revealed increased expression of BKCa α-subunit protein in Old. Pressure myography revealed no effect of age on SEA maximal diameter, myogenic tone, or paxilline-induced constriction (n = 10-12; P > 0.05). Enhanced functional expression of SMC BKCa-dependent STOCs in Old may represent an adaptation of resistance arteries to maintain functional integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Hayoz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Vanessa Bradley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Erika M Boerman
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; and
| | - Zahra Nourian
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri; and Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
| | - William F Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan;
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A new angle on blood-CNS interfaces: A role for connexins? FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1259-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Socha MJ, Segal SS. Isolation of microvascular endothelial tubes from mouse resistance arteries. J Vis Exp 2013:e50759. [PMID: 24300898 PMCID: PMC3992011 DOI: 10.3791/50759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of blood flow by the resistance vasculature regulates the supply of oxygen and nutrients concomitant with the removal of metabolic by-products, as exemplified by exercising skeletal muscle. Endothelial cells (ECs) line the intima of all resistance vessels and serve a key role in controlling diameter (e.g. endothelium-dependent vasodilation) and, thereby, the magnitude and distribution of tissue blood flow. The regulation of vascular resistance by ECs is effected by intracellular Ca2+ signaling, which leads to production of diffusible autacoids (e.g. nitric oxide and arachidonic acid metabolites)1-3 and hyperpolarization4,5 that elicit smooth muscle cell relaxation. Thus understanding the dynamics of endothelial Ca2+ signaling is a key step towards understanding mechanisms governing blood flow control. Isolating endothelial tubes eliminates confounding variables associated with blood in the vessel lumen and with surrounding smooth muscle cells and perivascular nerves, which otherwise influence EC structure and function. Here we present the isolation of endothelial tubes from the superior epigastric artery (SEA) using a protocol optimized for this vessel. To isolate endothelial tubes from an anesthetized mouse, the SEA is ligated in situ to maintain blood within the vessel lumen (to facilitate visualizing it during dissection), and the entire sheet of abdominal muscle is excised. The SEA is dissected free from surrounding skeletal muscle fibers and connective tissue, blood is flushed from the lumen, and mild enzymatic digestion is performed to enable removal of adventitia, nerves and smooth muscle cells using gentle trituration. These freshly-isolated preparations of intact endothelium retain their native morphology, with individual ECs remaining functionally coupled to one another, able to transfer chemical and electrical signals intercellularly through gap junctions6,7. In addition to providing new insight into calcium signaling and membrane biophysics, these preparations enable molecular studies of gene expression and protein localization within native microvascular endothelium.
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Circulation Research
Thematic Synopsis. Circ Res 2013; 112:e157-79. [DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.113.301756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Behringer EJ, Shaw RL, Westcott EB, Socha MJ, Segal SS. Aging impairs electrical conduction along endothelium of resistance arteries through enhanced Ca2+-activated K+ channel activation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2013; 33:1892-901. [PMID: 23723370 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.113.301514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intercellular conduction of electrical signals underlies spreading vasodilation of resistance arteries. Small- and intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels of endothelial cells serve a dual function by initiating hyperpolarization and modulating electrical conduction. We tested the hypothesis that regulation of electrical signaling by small- and intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels is altered with advancing age. APPROACH AND RESULTS Intact endothelial tubes (60 µm wide; 1-3 mm long) were freshly isolated from male C57BL/6 mouse (Young: 4-6 months; Intermediate: 12-14 months; Old: 24-26 months) superior epigastric arteries. Using dual intracellular microelectrodes, current was injected (± 0.1-3 nA) at site 1 while recording membrane potential (Vm) at site 2 (separation distance: 50-2000 µm). Across age groups, greatest differences were observed between Young and Old. Resting Vm in Old (-38 ± 1 mV) was more negative (P<0.05) than Young (-30 ± 1 mV). Maximal hyperpolarization to both direct (NS309) and indirect (acetylcholine) activation of small- and intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels was sustained (ΔVm ≈-40 mV) with age. The length constant (λ) for electrical conduction was reduced (P<0.05) from 1630 ± 80 µm (Young) to 1320 ± 80 µm (Old). Inhibiting small- and intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels with apamin+charybdotoxin or scavenging hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with catalase improved electrical conduction (P<0.05) in Old. Exogenous H2O2 (200 µmol/L) in Young evoked hyperpolarization and impaired electrical conduction; these effects were blocked by apamin+charybdotoxin. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced current loss through Ca2+-activated K+ channel activation impairs electrical conduction along the endothelium of resistance arteries with aging. Attenuating the spatial domain of electrical signaling will restrict the spread of vasodilation and thereby contribute to blood flow limitations associated with advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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Socha MJ, Domeier TL, Behringer EJ, Segal SS. Coordination of intercellular Ca(2+) signaling in endothelial cell tubes of mouse resistance arteries. Microcirculation 2013; 19:757-70. [PMID: 22860994 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that Ca(2+) responses to GPCR activation are coordinated between neighboring ECs of resistance arteries. METHODS EC tubes were freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Intercellular coupling was tested using microinjection of propidium iodide. Following loading with fluo-4 dye, intracellular Ca(2+) responses to ACh were imaged with confocal microscopy. RESULTS Cell-to-cell transfer of propidium iodide confirmed functional GJCs. A 1 μm ACh stimulus evoked Ca(2+) responses (9.8 ± 0.8/min, F/F(0) = 3.11 ± 0.2) which pseudo-line-scan analysis revealed as composed of Ca(2+) waves and spatially restricted Ca(2+) release events. A 100 nm ACh stimulus induced Ca(2+) responses of lower frequency (4.5 ± 0.7/min) and amplitude (F/F(0) = 1.95 ± 0.11) composed primarily of spatially restricted events. The time interval between Ca(2+) waves in adjacent cells (0.79 ± 0.12 s) was shorter (p < 0.05) than that between nonadjacent cells (1.56 ± 0.25 s). Spatially restricted Ca(2+) release events had similar frequencies and latencies between adjacent and nonadjacent cells. Inhibiting intracellular Ca(2+) release with 2-APB, Xestospongin C or thapsigargin eliminated Ca(2+) responses. CONCLUSIONS With moderate GPCR stimulation, localized Ca(2+) release events predominate among cells. Greater GPCR stimulation evokes coordinated intercellular Ca(2+) waves via the ER. Calcium signaling during GPCR activation is complex among cells, varying with stimulus intensity and proximity to actively signaling cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Socha
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, USA
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Abstract
Despite recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind vascular conducted responses (VCRs) in systemic arterioles, we still know very little about their potential physiological and pathophysiological role in brain penetrating arterioles controlling blood flow to the deeper areas of the brain. The scope of the present review is to present an overview of the conceptual, mechanistic, and physiological role of VCRs in resistance vessels, and to discuss in detail the recent advances in our knowledge of VCRs in brain arterioles controlling cerebral blood flow. We provide a schematic view of the ion channels and intercellular communication pathways necessary for conduction of an electrical and mechanical response in the arteriolar wall, and discuss the local signaling mechanisms and cellular pathway involved in the responses to different local stimuli and in different vascular beds. Physiological modulation of VCRs, which is a rather new finding in this field, is discussed in the light of changes in plasma membrane ion channel conductance as a function of health status or disease. Finally, we discuss the possible role of VCRs in cerebrovascular function and disease as well as suggest future directions for studying VCRs in the cerebral circulation.
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Kirby BS, Bruhl A, Sullivan MN, Francis M, Dinenno FA, Earley S. Robust internal elastic lamina fenestration in skeletal muscle arteries. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54849. [PMID: 23359815 PMCID: PMC3554626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Holes within the internal elastic lamina (IEL) of blood vessels are sites of fenestration allowing for passage of diffusible vasoactive substances and interface of endothelial cell membrane projections with underlying vascular smooth muscle. Endothelial projections are sites of dynamic Ca2+ events leading to endothelium dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-mediated relaxations and the activity of these events increase as vessel diameter decreases. We tested the hypothesis that IEL fenestration is greater in distal vs. proximal arteries in skeletal muscle, and is unlike other vascular beds (mesentery). We also determined ion channel protein composition within the endothelium of intramuscular and non-intramuscular skeletal muscle arteries. Popliteal arteries, subsequent gastrocnemius feed arteries, and first and second order intramuscular arterioles from rat hindlimb were isolated, cut longitudinally, fixed, and imaged using confocal microscopy. Quantitative analysis revealed a significantly larger total fenestration area in second and first order arterioles vs. feed and popliteal arteries (58% and 16% vs. 5% and 3%; N = 10 images/artery), due to a noticeably greater average size of holes (9.5 and 3.9 µm2 vs 1.5 and 1.9 µm2). Next, we investigated via immunolabeling procedures whether proteins involved in EDH often embedded in endothelial cell projections were disparate between arterial segments. Specific proteins involved in EDH, such as inositol trisphosphate receptors, small and intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels, and the canonical (C) transient receptor potential (TRP) channel TRPC3 were present in both popliteal and first order intramuscular arterioles. However due to larger IEL fenestration in first order arterioles, a larger spanning area of EDH proteins is observed proximal to the smooth muscle cell plasma membrane. These observations highlight the robust area of fenestration within intramuscular arterioles and indicate that the anatomical architecture and endothelial cell hyperpolarizing apparatus for distinct vasodilatory signaling is potentially present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett S. Kirby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vascular Physiology Research Group, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Allison Bruhl
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vascular Physiology Research Group, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michelle N. Sullivan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vascular Physiology Research Group, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Michael Francis
- Department of Physiology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Frank A. Dinenno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vascular Physiology Research Group, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Human Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Scott Earley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vascular Physiology Research Group, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Behringer EJ, Segal SS. Spreading the signal for vasodilatation: implications for skeletal muscle blood flow control and the effects of ageing. J Physiol 2012; 590:6277-84. [PMID: 22890708 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.239673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood flow control requires coordinated contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) along and among the arterioles and feed arteries that comprise vascular resistance networks. Whereas smooth muscle contraction of resistance vessels is enhanced by noradrenaline release along perivascular sympathetic nerves, the endothelium is integral to coordinating smooth muscle relaxation. Beyond producing nitric oxide in response to agonists and shear stress, endothelial cells (ECs) provide an effective conduit for conducting hyperpolarization along vessel branches and into surrounding SMCs through myoendothelial coupling. In turn, bidirectional signalling from SMCs into ECs enables the endothelium to moderate adrenergic vasoconstriction in response to sympathetic nerve activity. This review focuses on the endothelium as the cellular pathway that coordinates spreading vasodilatation. We discuss the nature and regulation of cell-to-cell coupling through gap junctions, bidirectional signalling between ECs and SMCs, and how oxidative stress during ageing may influence respective signalling pathways. Our recent findings illustrate the role of small (SK(Ca)) and intermediate (IK(Ca)) Ca(2+) activated K(+) channels as modulators of electrical conduction along the endothelium. Gaps in current understanding indicate the need to determine mechanisms that regulate intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis and ion channel activation in the resistance vasculature with advancing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
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Duchemin S, Boily M, Sadekova N, Girouard H. The complex contribution of NOS interneurons in the physiology of cerebrovascular regulation. Front Neural Circuits 2012; 6:51. [PMID: 22907993 PMCID: PMC3414732 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2012.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the discovery of the vasorelaxant properties of nitric oxide (NO) by Furchgott and Ignarro, the finding by Bredt and coll. of a constitutively expressed NO synthase in neurons (nNOS) led to the presumption that neuronal NO may control cerebrovascular functions. Consequently, numerous studies have sought to determine whether neuraly-derived NO is involved in the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Anatomically, axons, dendrites, or somata of NO neurons have been found to contact the basement membrane of blood vessels or perivascular astrocytes in all segments of the cortical microcirculation. Functionally, various experimental approaches support a role of neuronal NO in the maintenance of resting CBF as well as in the vascular response to neuronal activity. Since decades, it has been assumed that neuronal NO simply diffuses to the local blood vessels and produce vasodilation through a cGMP-PKG dependent mechanism. However, NO is not the sole mediator of vasodilation in the cerebral microcirculation and is known to interact with a myriad of signaling pathways also involved in vascular control. In addition, cerebrovascular regulation is the result of a complex orchestration between all components of the neurovascular unit (i.e., neuronal, glial, and vascular cells) also known to produce NO. In this review article, the role of NO interneuron in the regulation of cortical microcirculation will be discussed in the context of the neurovascular unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Duchemin
- Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada
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