Abstract
Calcium ion (Ca2+) influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels is important for the regulation of vascular tone. Activation of L-type Ca2+ channels initiates muscle contraction; however, the role of T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) is not clear. We show that mice deficient in the α1H T-type Ca2+ channel (α13.2-null have constitutively constricted coronary arterioles and focal myocardial fibrosis. Coronary arteries isolated from α13.2-null arteries showed normal contractile responses, but reduced relaxation in response to acetylcholine and nitroprusside. Furthermore, acute blockade of T-channels with Ni2+ prevented relaxation of wild-type coronary arteries. Thus, Ca2+ influx through α 1H T-type Ca2+ channels is essential for normal relaxation of coronary arteries.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1416-1418 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 302 |
Issue number | 5649 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 21 2003 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General