Abstract

• Regulator of vascular reactivity and preserves balance between vasoconstrictor and vasodilator tone

  Vascular endothelium
• Endothelin-1, thromboxane A2


  Endothelial-derived vasoconstrictors
• Nitric oxide, prostate cyclin

  Vasodilator
• Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) 


  Non-nitric oxide, non-prostacyclin endothelium-derived vasodilatory factor
• Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK)

  Facilitates endothelial and vascular responses to EDHF across microcirculation
• Diseases that alter balance between vasodilation and vasoconstriction

  Decreased activity of endothelial SK channel
• Goal of review


  Characterize physiology of endothelial SK channels
• Regulation and dysregulation of SK channels

  Protein kinases, reactive oxygen species, byproducts of intermediary metabolism
• Altered metabolic states


  Hypertension, diabetes, ischemia-reperfusion
• Understanding of SK channel pathophysiology

  SK channel potentiators