Vascular control in humans: focus on the coronary microcirculation. Basic Res Cardiol 2009 May;104(3):211-27
Date
02/05/2009Pubmed ID
19190954Pubmed Central ID
PMC3045058DOI
10.1007/s00395-009-0775-yScopus ID
2-s2.0-64949124561 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 74 CitationsAbstract
Myocardial perfusion is regulated by a variety of factors that influence arteriolar vasomotor tone. An understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological factors that modulate coronary blood flow provides the basis for the judicious use of medications for the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. Vasomotor properties of the coronary circulation vary among species. This review highlights the results of recent studies that examine the mechanisms by which the human coronary microcirculation is regulated in normal and disease states, focusing on diabetes. Multiple pathways responsible for myogenic constriction and flow-mediated dilation in human coronary arterioles are addressed. The important role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors, their interactions in mediating dilation, as well as speculation regarding the clinical significance are emphasized. Unique properties of coronary arterioles in human vs. other species are discussed.
Author List
Liu Y, Gutterman DDMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Cardiovascular Physiological PhenomenaCoronary Circulation
Humans
Microcirculation