Age‐dependent impact of CaV3.2 T‐type calcium channel deletion on myogenic tone and flow‐mediated vasodilatation in small arteries

摘要

Key points class="unordered" style="list-style-type:disc" id="tjp7061-list-0001">Blood pressure and flow exert mechanical forces on the walls of small arteries, which are detected by the endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and lead to regulation of the diameter (basal tone) of an artery.CaV3.2 T‐type calcium channels are expressed in the wall of small arteries, although their function remains poorly understood because of the low specificity of T‐type blockers.We used mice deficient in CaV3.2 channels to study their role in pressure‐ and flow‐dependent tone regulation and the possible impact of ageing on this role.In young mice, CaV3.2 channels oppose pressure‐induced vasoconstriction and participate in endothelium‐dependent, flow‐mediated dilatation. These effects were not seen in mature adult mice.The results of the present study demonstrate an age‐dependent impact of CaV3.2 T‐type calcium channel deletion in rodents and suggest that the loss of CaV3.2 channel function leads to more constricted arteries, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.