Role of Store-Operated Calcium Channels and Calcium Sensitization in Normoxic Contraction of the Ductus Arteriosus

Abstract

Much of the normoxic contraction of the ductus arteriosus at birth is related to calcium entry through store-operated channels, encoded by the transient receptor potential superfamily of genes, and to increased calcium sensitization. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms involved in normoxic contraction of the ductus will permit the development of better therapy to close the patent ductus arteriosus, which constitutes approximately 10% of all congenital heart disease and is especially common in premature infants.