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Overview: Physiological Role of K+Channels in the Regulation of Vascular Tone

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Potassium Channels in Cardiovascular Biology

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Abstract

Calcium entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels plays an important role in the contractile responses of vascular smooth muscle, particularly in the resistance vasculature. Thus, agents or interventions that open or close these Ca2+ channels have significant effects on smooth muscle contractile activity. Accordingly, regulation of smooth muscle membrane potential through changes in K+ channel activity, and subsequent alterations in the activity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, is a major mechanism of vasodilation and vasoconstriction, both in normal and in pathophysiological conditions. Activation of K+ channels will result in hyperpolarization, closure of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and vasodilation, whereas inhibition of K+ channels will have the opposite effects. Several different types of K+ channels are present in most vascular smooth muscle cells. Membrane potential and diameter are determined, in part, by the integrated activity of these K+ channels, which are regulated by multiple dilator and constrictor signals in vascular smooth muscle. The objective of this chapter is to provide an overview of the evidence supporting the important functional roles of the major K+ channels found in vascular smooth muscle.

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  1. Department of Pharmacology, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, 05405-9998, USA

    Joseph E. Brayden

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  1. Walter McKenzie Health Science Centre, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Stephen L. Archer

  2. Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Nancy J. Rusch

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Brayden, J.E. (2001). Overview: Physiological Role of K+Channels in the Regulation of Vascular Tone. In: Archer, S.L., Rusch, N.J. (eds) Potassium Channels in Cardiovascular Biology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1303-2_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-1303-2_22

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