Purpose/Background/Objectives: TASK-1 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium) channels conduct background K+ currents in smooth muscle cells of pulmonary arteries suppressing vasocontraction. However, the vasomotor role of TASK-1 channels in systemic arteries as… Click to show full abstract
Purpose/Background/Objectives: TASK-1 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium) channels conduct background K+ currents in smooth muscle cells of pulmonary arteries suppressing vasocontraction. However, the vasomotor role of TASK-1 channels in systemic arteries as well as their regulation by the endothelium are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the impact of TASK-1 channels on the regulation of arterial contraction in the presence or absence of the relaxing influence of the endothelium in the brain and the heart, important regions of the systemic circulation.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.