Erythrocytes: oxygen sensors and modulators of vascular tone.
Through oxygen-dependent release of the vasodilator ATP, the mobile erythrocyte plays a fundamental role in matching microvascular oxygen supply with local tissue oxygen demand. Signal transduction within the erythrocyte and microvessels as well as feedback mechanisms controlling ATP release have been described. Our understanding of the impact of this novel control mechanism will rely on the integration of in vivo experiments and computational models.
Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. ellsworthm@slu.edu
Mary L
ML
Ellsworth
Christopher G
CG
Ellis
Daniel
D
Goldman
Alan H
AH
Stephenson
Hans H
HH
Dietrich
Randy S
RS
Sprague
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000502:physiology; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate