Pharmacological activation of KCa3.1/KCa2.3 channels produces endothelial hyperpolarization and lowers blood pressure in conscious dogs

Abstract

Activation of endothelial KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 lowers arterial blood pressure in dogs by an immediate electrical vasodilator mechanism. The results support the concept that pharmacological activation of these channels may represent a potential unique endothelium-specific antihypertensive therapy.