Key result
Acetylcholine hyperpolarizes endothelial cells by activating Ca2+-activated K+ channels, which then conduct to the smooth muscle layer via myoendothelial gap junctions.
In guinea-pig mesenteric arterioles, endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of smooth muscle cells is mediated by electrical conduction through myoendothelial gap junctions rather than a diffusible factor.
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In vitro ACh hyperpolarization data should not guide therapy; leaves open myoendothelial junction roles in vivo.
Yamamoto et al. (1999) studied this question. Acetylcholine was evaluated on Electrical responses of individual smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Acetylcholine hyperpolarizes endothelial cells by activating Ca2+-activated K+ channels, which then conduct to the smooth muscle layer via myoendothelial gap junctions.
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