title: Function and regulation of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel in vascular smooth muscle cells.
abstract: Large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels are abundantly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. Activation of BK(Ca) channels leads to hyperpolarization of cell membrane, which in turn counteracts vasoconstriction. Therefore, BK(Ca) channels have an important role in regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure. The activity of BK(Ca) channels is subject to modulation by various factors. Furthermore, the function of BK(Ca) channels are altered in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions, such as pregnancy, hypertension and diabetes, which has dramatic impacts on vascular tone and hemodynamics. Consequently, compounds and genetic manipulation that alter activity and expression of the channel might be of therapeutic interest.
authors.affiliation: Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA. xhu@llu.edu
authors.forename: Xiang-Qun
authors.initials: XQ
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Lubo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D051036:Large-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels