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Rapid Whole-Mount High-Resolution Imaging of Small Animal Vasculature for Quantitative Studies
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Conducted vasoreactivity: the dynamical point of view.
D E Postnov1, A Y Neganova, O V Sosnovtseva
1Department of Physics, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya Str. 83, Saratov, 410026, Russia, postnov@info.sgu.ru.
Bulletin of Mathematical Biology
|January 14, 2015
Summary
This study proposes a bistability mechanism for regenerative pulse transmission in endothelial cells, crucial for conducted vasodilation. Findings suggest individual cells can switch potentials, but coupled cells require current adaptation for sustained signaling.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biophysics
- Cellular Electrophysiology
Background:
- Conducted vasodilation supports tissue metabolic demands.
- Endothelial cells may transmit hyperpolarizing pulses nondecrementally.
- Mechanisms of endothelial pulse transmission are debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a bistability-powered mechanism for regenerative pulse transmission in endothelial cells.
- To explore the dynamical aspects of endothelial signaling.
- To propose specific membrane currents underlying endothelial bistability.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of bistable systems.
- Numerical simulations of single- and multiunit endothelial cell models.
- Investigation of current-voltage relationships and membrane potential dynamics.
Main Results:
- Individual endothelial cells can readily switch between two stable resting potentials.
- Coupled endothelial cell arrays require membrane current adaptation for reversible switching.
- The N-shaped current-voltage curve, potentially due to inwardly rectifying potassium currents, supports bistability.
Conclusions:
- A bistability mechanism offers a plausible explanation for regenerative pulse transmission in the endothelium.
- Endothelial cell bistability is crucial for regulating vascular tone and blood flow.
- Specific membrane currents are proposed as the basis for endothelial cell bistability and signaling.
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