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Potassium Channels and Membrane Potential in the Modulation of Intracellular Calcium in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Author(s) -
ADAMS DAVID J.,
HILL MICHAEL A.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1540-8167
pISSN - 1045-3873
DOI - 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2004.03277.x
Subject(s) - intracellular , extracellular , microbiology and biotechnology , biophysics , potassium channel , second messenger system , calcium in biology , membrane potential , calcium , potassium , paracrine signalling , endothelium , secretion , medicine , biology , chemistry , receptor , organic chemistry
The endothelium plays a vital role in the control of vascular functions, including modulation of tone; permeability and barrier properties; platelet adhesion and aggregation; and secretion of paracrine factors. Critical signaling events in many of these functions involve an increase in intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ). This rise in [Ca 2+ ] i occurs via an interplay between several mechanisms, including release from intracellular stores, entry from the extracellular space through store depletion and second messenger‐mediated processes, and the establishment of a favorable electrochemical gradient. The focus of this review centers on the role of potassium channels and membrane potential in the creation of a favorable electrochemical gradient for Ca 2+ entry. In addition, evidence is examined for the existence of various classes of potassium channels and the possible influence of regional variation in expression and experimental conditions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 598‐610, May 2004)