Contribution and regulation of calcium channels in endothelial cells

Abstract

The endothelium is a highly metabolically active organ that plays a pivotal role in many physiological processes. Endothelial cells express a diversity of calcium- permeable ion channels that can be activated in response to a variety of stimuli including Ca 2+ store depletion, oxidative stress, growth factors, and endotoxins. Emerging evidences have implicated the critical requirement of Ca 2+ signaling in numerous vascular functions including vasomotor tone, barrier function, leukocyte homing and adhesion, infl ammation, and hemostasis. The goal of this chapter is to present a comprehensive review of the expression and regulatory mechanisms of Ca 2+ channels in endothelial cells, and discuss their contribution to vascular endothelial cell physiology and pathophysiology processes.