Vascular modulation of rat aorta by taurine

Taurine is found in high concentration in smooth muscle and heart muscle (approximately 10-20 mM). We found that taurine affects NE- and KCl-induced vasoconstriction. The mechanisms regulating these vasoconstrictions mostly involve Ca2+ channels and EDRF(NO). Taurine exerted either a vasodilation or vasoconstriction depending on cellular Ca2+ concentration. When vascular tone was excessively low, taurine promoted vasoconstriction allowing the maintenance of blood pressure. On the other hand, taurine dilates vessels to increase blood flow during ischemia or hypoxia. Thus, taurine modulates vascular wall tone to maintain blood flow. These results indicate that taurine plays an important homeostatic function on vascular smooth muscles as well as cardiac muscle.