Abstract
The role gap junction channels play in the normal and abnormal functioning of the vascular wall is the subject of much research. The biophysical properties of gap junctions are an essential component in understanding how gap junctions function to allow coordinated relaxation and contraction of vascular smooth muscle. This study reviews the properties thus far elucidated and relates those properties to tissue function. We ask how biophysical and structural properties such as gating, permselectivity, subconductive states and channel type (heteromeric vs homotypic vs heterotypic) might affect vascular smooth muscle tone.
Highlights
In vascular smooth muscle the role that gap junctions play is integral among a number of other processes and parameters influencing tissue function [1,2,3,4]
For example, are there gap junctional properties which lend themselves to dynamic regulation? How many gap junction channels are needed to allow cells to act syncytially? What types of gap junction channels are present in the vascular wall? Is it possible that hybrid channel types exist in vascular smooth muscle, and if so, would their presence affect tissue function? These issues are considered
There are three types of gap junction channels possible when more than one connexin is being expressed in the same cell
Summary
In vascular smooth muscle the role that gap junctions play is integral among a number of other processes and parameters influencing tissue function [1,2,3,4]. The role gap junction channels play in the normal and abnormal functioning of the vascular wall is the subject of much research. We ask how biophysical and structural properties such as gating, permselectivity, subconductive states and channel type (heteromeric vs homotypic vs heterotypic) might affect vascular smooth muscle tone.
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