title: Ion channels in vascular endothelium.
abstract: The functional impact of ion channels in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is still a matter of controversy. This review describes different types of ion channels in ECs and their role in electrogenesis, Ca2+ signaling, vessel permeability, cell-cell communication, mechano-sensor functions, and pH and volume regulation. One major function of ion channels in ECs is the control of Ca2+ influx either by a direct modulation of the Ca2+ influx pathway or by indirect modulation of K+ and Cl- channels, thereby clamping the membrane at a sufficiently negative potential to provide the necessary driving force for a sustained Ca2+ influx. We discuss various mechanisms of Ca2+ influx stimulation: those that activate nonselective, Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels or those that activate Ca(2+)-selective channels, exclusively or partially operated by the filling state of intracellular Ca2+ stores. We also describe the role of various Ca(2+)- and shear stress-activated K+ channels and different types of Cl- channels for the regulation of the membrane potential.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorium voor Fysiologie, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nilius
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Viana
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Droogmans
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004594:Electrophysiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D007473:Ion Channels