Grant: Operating Grant

Brain blood flow is controlled by vessels that respond to changes in tissue metabolism, nerve activity and blood pressure. To modify vessel size, these stimuli must alter the level of calcium in smooth muscle cells. The calcium level in smooth muscle is set by the electrical state of the cell and steady state calcium influx through pores called calcium channels. Scientists have typically assumed that there is only one type of calcium channel present in smooth muscle. We, however, have found a second type called T-type calcium channels. In this proposal, we will use electrical, molecular and physiology techniques to probe the function of T-type calcium channels in single cells and whole vessels. This research will further our knowledge of how biological stimuli and calcium channels regulate vessel diameter and brain blood flow. This knowledge is important as these calcium channels are often targeted by the drug industry to reverse the harmful effects of high blood pressure and stroke.