Contact: Science Press Package
scipak@aaas.org
202-326-6440
American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cells' 'Fuzzy Space' Controls Blood Pressure

Caption: Activation of the TRPV4 channel induces local Ca2+ signals in the endothelium of a third-order mesenteric artery in the absence of IP3R-mediated Ca2+ signaling. The TRPV4 agonist GSK (10 nM) dramatically increased the frequency of IP3R-independent, local Ca2+ events (TRPV4 Ca2+ sparklets). Scale bar: 10 μm. For more information, please see the Supporting Online Material. This video relates to a paper that appeared in the May 4, 2012, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The paper, by S.K. Sonkusare at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt., and colleagues was titled, "Elementary Ca²⁺ Signals Through Endothelial TRPV4 Channels Regulate Vascular Function."

Credit: Video courtesy of Mark Nelson

Usage Restrictions: Please cite the owner of the video when publishing. This video may be freely used by reporters as part of news coverage, with proper attribution. Non-reporters must contact Science for permission.