Modulatory role of endothelial calcium level in vascular tension of canine depolarized coronary arteries

The role of endothelial calcium in the regulation of vascular tone was investigated using intact coronary arteries in dogs. Calcium channel and nitric oxide synthase studies were carried out to determine the mechanism of calcium-mediated regulation of vascular tone in coronary arteries depolarized by high potassium concentration. Results indicate that endothelial calcium mediates vascular relaxation by activating nitric oxide synthase.