Role of KATPChannels in the Regulation of Rat Dura and Pia Artery Diameter

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of KATPchannel openers pinacidil and levcromakalim on rat dural and pial arteries as well as their inhibition by glibenclamide. We used an in-vivo genuine closed cranial window model and an in-vitro organ bath. Glibenclamide alone reduced the dural but not the pial artery diameter compared with controls. Intravenous pinacidil and levcro-makalim induced dural and pial artery dilation that was significantly attenuated by glibenclamide. In the organ bath pinacidil and levcromakalim induced dural and middle cerebral artery relaxation that was significantly attenuated by glibenclamide. In conclusion, KATPchannel openers induce increasing diameter/relaxation of dural and pial arteries after intravenous infusion in vivo and on isolated arteries in vitro. Furthermore, dural arteries were more sensitive to KATPchannel openers than pial arteries.