This study is concerned with the development of an integrated multiple compartment model of the isolated cerebral artery in rat. The smooth muscle/arterial wall complex is an important component of the circulatory model and serves as an “vasomotor organ”, which provides the myogenic mechanism. We have focused on this myogenic mechanism and have developed a model of the electrophysiological, con...

The present studies examined relationships between intraluminal pressure, membrane potential (E(m)), and myogenic tone in skeletal muscle arterioles. Using pharmacological interventions targeting Ca(2+) entry/release mechanisms, these studies also determined the role of Ca(2+) pathways and E(m) in determining steady-state myogenic constriction. Studies were conducted in isolated and cannulated ...

We evaluated arteriolar myogenic responsiveness in normotensive, salt-loaded and hypertensive rats and investigated the potential influence of luminal blood flow or shear stress on myogenic responses under each of these conditions. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed low-salt (0.45%, LS) or high-salt (7%, HS) diets were enclosed in a ventilated airtight box with the...

Characterization of myogenic subpopulations has traditionally been performed independently of their functional performance following transplantation. Using the preplate technique, which separates cells based on their variable adhesion characteristics, we investigated the use of cell surface proteins to potentially identify progenitors with enhanced regeneration capabilities. Based on previous s...

Recent studies have implicated epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) in myogenic signaling. The present study was undertaken to determine if ENaC and/or Na+ entry are involved in the myogenic response of the rat afferent arteriole. Myogenic responses were assessed in the in vitro hydronephrotic kidney model. ENaC expression and membrane potential responses were evaluated with afferent arterioles isola...