Abstract
The mechanisms by which active neurons, via astrocytes, rapidly signal intracerebral arterioles to dilate remain obscure. Here we show that modest elevation of extracellular potassium (K+) activated inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels and caused membrane potential hyperpolarization in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of intracerebral arterioles and, in cortical brain slices, induced Kir-dependent vasodilation and suppression of SMC intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations. Neuronal activation induced a rapid (
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1397-1403 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nature Neuroscience |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2006 |