Nerve induced EC Ca2+ signals oppose vasoconstriction

Our latest podcast takes us into the realm of calcium pulsars. Associate Editor Nancy Kanagy talks with senior author Mark Nelson (University of Vermont) and leading expert Michael Hill (University of Missouri) about how the work of Nausch et al challenges the traditional view that the sympathetic nervous system regulates vascular tone independent of the endothelium. This work by Nelson and colleagues shows that the endothelium is dynamically engaged during neurovascular coupling through transcellular negative feedback which limits vasoconstriction. Listen as we explore how the vascular smooth muscle communicates with the endothelium, and the potential significance of this EDH mechanism to oppose sympathetically-mediated constriction.

Lydia W. M. Nausch, Adrian D. Bonev, Thomas J. Heppner, Yvonne Tallini, Michael I. Kotlikoff, Mark T. Nelson. Sympathetic nerve stimulation induces local endothelial Ca2+ signals to oppose vasoconstriction of mouse mesenteric arteries Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, published ahead of print December 2, 2011, doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00773.2011.