Ca2+-activated K+ channels mediate relaxation of forearm veins in chronic renal failure

Abstract

The results demonstrate that the endothelium-dependent relaxation in forearm veins from controls and non-dialysed patients is mediated by release of nitric oxide and EDHF. In contrast, the relaxation in veins from dialysed patients is mediated mainly by EDHF. EDHF-induced relaxation involves activation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.