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Vasomotion - what is currently thought?
C Aalkjær1, D Boedtkjer, V Matchkov
1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The Water and Salt Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark. ca@fi.au.dk
Acta Physiologica (Oxford, England)
|April 27, 2011
Summary
Vasomotion, the rhythmic oscillation of blood vessel tone, may enhance tissue dialysis. Further research is needed to confirm this, but molecular pathways are becoming clearer.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Blood vessel tone exhibits rhythmic oscillations, a phenomenon known as vasomotion.
- Vasomotion influences blood flow dynamics and has potential physiological and pathophysiological implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence and relevance of vasomotion.
- To discuss proposed models explaining the coordinated oscillatory activity of smooth muscle tone.
- To highlight the roles of the endothelium, intracellular calcium (Ca2+), and smooth muscle cell ion conductances.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on vasomotion.
- Discussion of theoretical models and experimental evidence.
Main Results:
- Vasomotion is a widespread phenomenon with potential roles in physiological regulation.
- Models emphasize the interplay between endothelial factors, intracellular calcium handling, and smooth muscle cell ion channels.
Conclusions:
- Vasomotion is hypothesized to improve tissue dialysis, requiring further experimental validation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying vasomotion is an emerging area of research.
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