T‐Type Ca2+ Channels in Cerebral Arteries: Approaches, Hypotheses, and Speculation. (10th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harraz, Osama F.; Welsh, Donald G.
• Is Part Of: Microcirculation. Volume 20:Number 4(2013:May)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 306
• Publication Date: 2013-05-10
• Subjects: Biological transport -- Periodicals; Microcirculation -- Physiology -- Periodicals; 612.135
• DOI: 10.1111/micc.12038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1073-9688

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="micc12038-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Cerebral blood flow is controlled by a network of resistance arteries that dilate and constrict to mechanical and chemical stimuli. Vasoactive stimuli influence arterial diameter through alterations in resting membrane potential and the influx of Ca²⁺ through voltage‐gated Ca²⁺ channels. Historically, L‐type Ca²⁺ channels were thought to be solely expressed in cerebral arterial smooth muscle. Recent studies have, however, challenged this perspective, by providing evidence of T‐type Ca²⁺ channels in vascular tissues. This perspective piece will introduce T‐type Ca²⁺ channels, their electrophysiological properties, and potential roles in arterial tone development. We begin with a brief overview of Ca²⁺ channels and a discussion of the approaches used to isolate this elusive conductance. We will then speculate on how the two T‐type Ca²⁺ channels expressed in cerebral arterial smooth muscle might differentially influence arterial tone. This discovery of T‐type Ca²⁺ channels alters our traditional understanding of Ca²⁺ dynamics in vascular tissue and fosters new avenues of research and insight into the basis of arterial tone development.</p> </abstract>