Myoendothelial Contacts, Gap Junctions, and Microdomains: Anatomical Links to Function?

Shaun L Sandow; S Senadheera; P P Bertrand; T V Murphy; M Tare

doi:10.1111/j.1549-8719.2011.00146.x

Back

Myoendothelial Contacts, Gap Junctions, and Microdomains: Anatomical Links to Function?

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Myoendothelial Contacts, Gap Junctions, and Microdomains: Anatomical Links to Function?

Shaun L Sandow, S Senadheera, P P Bertrand, T V Murphy and M Tare

Microcirculation, Vol.19(5), pp.403-415

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1549-8719.2011.00146.x

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1549-8719.2011.00146.xView

Published Version

Abstract

calcium channel

electron microscopy

endothelium

endothelium-derived hyperpolarization

gap junction

myoendothelial junctions

potassium channel

signaling microdomain

smooth muscle

vasodilation

In several species and in many vascular beds, ultrastructural studies describe close contact sites between the endothelium and smooth muscle of less than ~20nm. Such sites are thought to facilitate the local action of signaling molecules and/or the passage of current, as metabolic and electrical coupling conduits between the arterial endothelium and smooth muscle. These sites have the potential for bidirectional communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle, as a key pathway for coordinating vascular function. The aim of this brief review is to summarize the literature on the ultrastructural anatomy and distribution of key components of MECC sites in arteries. In addition to their traditional role of facilitating electrical coupling between the two cell layers, data on the role of MECC sites in arteries, as signaling microdomains involving a spatial localization of channels, receptors and calcium stores are highlighted. Diversity in the density and specific characteristics of MECC sites as signaling microdomains suggests considerable potential for functional diversity within and between arteries in health and disease. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Details

Title: Myoendothelial Contacts, Gap Junctions, and Microdomains: Anatomical Links to Function?
Authors: Shaun L Sandow (Author) - University of New South Wales
S Senadheera (Author) - University of New South Wales
P P Bertrand (Author) - University of New South Wales
T V Murphy (Author) - University of New South Wales
M Tare (Author) - Monash University
Publication details: Microcirculation, Vol.19(5), pp.403-415
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2011.00146.x
ISSN: 1073-9688
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448973902621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

549 Record Views

59 Times Cited - Web of Science

InCites Highlights

These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output

Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Hematology; Peripheral Vascular Disease

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

Source: InCites