Endothelium-dependent regulation of cerebrovascular tone by extrecellular and intracellular ATP

Endothelium-dependent regulation of cerebrovascular tone by extracellular and intracellular ATP was examined using a novel endothelial mechanism linking intracellular ATP changes to vascular tone regulation. Results of the experiments revealed that both vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells mediate the vascular responses induced by KATP openers. On the other hand, dilation induced by intraluminal ATP is mediated by the endothelium.