Despite the longstanding knowledge that blood flow increases in proportion to metabolic activity of skeletal muscle, the underlying mechanisms that govern this response have only recently been identified.1 Given the role of endothelial cells in mediating exercise hyperemia,2 interest has been focused on endothelium-derived vasodilation occurring via the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilating prostaglandins (PGs; i.e. prostacyclin) or endothelium- derived hyperpolarization. A number of studies performed in humans have established a minimal-to-modest role for NO and PGs during mild- and moderate- intensity exercise. In animal preparations, prevention of hyperpolarization attenuates contraction-induced hyperemia; however, performing similar studies in humans has been difficult. Specific candidate contributors to hyperpolarization such as P450 metabolites, calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels, and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have been inhibited with minimal to nonexistent effects. Recently, we inhibited KIR channels and Na+/K+-ATPase [via intraarterial barium chloride (BaCl2) and ouabain] in the human forearm during rhythmic muscle contractions.3 Importantly, we have established that K+-mediated vasodilation (intra-arterial infusion of KCl) is essentially abolished following BaCl2 and ouabain administration, evidence of successful inhibition of KIR channels and Na+/K+-ATPase. Based on the observed reduction in forearm blood flow during contractions with BaCl2, we concluded that activation of KIR channels significantly contributes (~30%) to exercise hyperemia in healthy humans. A reduction of this magnitude is profound, particularly in a small muscle mass such as the forearm.
- adrenergic,
- exercise,
- humans,
- muscle contraction,
- sympatholysis,
- vasoconstriction
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