Acidosis dilates brain parenchymal arterioles by conversion of calcium waves to sparks to activate BK channels.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Acidosis is a powerful vasodilator signal in the brain circulation. However, the mechanisms by which this response occurs are not well understood, particularly in the cerebral microcirculation. One important mechanism to dilate cerebral (pial) arteries is by activation of large-conductance, calcium-sensitive potassium (BK(Ca)) channels by local Ca(2+) signals (Ca(2+) sparks) through ryanodine receptors (RyRs). However, the role of this pathway in the brain microcirculation is not known.

Objective

The objectives of this study were to determine the mechanism by which acidosis dilates brain parenchymal arterioles (PAs) and to elucidate the roles of RyRs and BK(Ca) channels in this response.

Methods and results

Internal diameter and vascular smooth muscle cell C

SUBMITTER: Dabertrand F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3505882 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature