IndraLab

"BK channels usually do not determine the resting E m in mesenteric artery myocytes but serve as a negative feedback mechanism at considerable membrane depolarization.24, 25 Vascular BK channels are made up of pore forming alpha and accessory beta1 subunits.48, 49 beta1 subunits modulate BK channel functions by increasing open dwell time and intrinsic Ca 2+ sensitivity of the alpha subunits.50, 51, 52 It is well known that activation of BK channels plays an important role in counteracting vascular cell depolarization and constriction via negative feedback by regulating Cav1.2 channel activity.53 If attenuated BK channel functions in HHS myocytes result in higher activity of Cav1.2 in the depolarization of resting E m state, more influx Ca 2+ and increased vascular tone could result."