Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Vascular Kv7 (Kcnq) Potassium Channels As Therapeutic Targets In Cerebral Vasospasm, Bharath Kumar Mani
Vascular Kv7 (Kcnq) Potassium Channels As Therapeutic Targets In Cerebral Vasospasm, Bharath Kumar Mani
Dissertations (6 month embargo)
Cerebral vasospasm, a grave sequel to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), is characterized by prolonged severe constriction of arteries in the base of the brain, including the basilar artery. Spasmogens (serotonin, endothelin and vasopressin), elevated in response to SAH, induce persistent depolarization of the myocytes in the artery wall, leading to continuous influx of calcium (Ca2+) through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC) resulting in hyperconstriction (spasm). The spasm of the arteries restricts blood flow to the brain, inducing ischemic neurological deficits and consequential high morbidity and mortality. The cellular pathogenesis of cerebral vasospasm is poorly understood and the therapeutic options are limited.
Kv7 …