Characterization of endothelium-dependent and -independent processes in occipital artery of the rat: relevance to control of blood flow to nodose sensory cells

Abstract

This study demonstrates that the endothelium-dependent regulation of smooth muscle tone of occipital arteries is segment-dependent. Endothelial cells at the occipital artery-external carotid artery junction (entryway of blood flow to the nodose ganglia) more strongly influence vascular tone than those closer to the nodose ganglia. This differential endothelial regulation of occipital artery tone may control blood flow and access of circulating factors to the nodose ganglia.