An investigation of a possible non-neuronal cholinergic system in the vasculature

Thesis

Vascular endothelial cells express muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which lead to NO- and endothelium derived hyperpolarization responses that constitute major pathways for vasodilation. As evidence suggests that perivascular nerves may not represent a viable source of innervating ACh, we investigated whether suggestions of a 'non-neuronal cholinergic system’ within the vasculature might act as a source of ACh that is able to influence the endothelium.

Rat mesenteric arteries wer...

Expand abstract

Authors: Davis, H

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: Microcirculation; Acetylcholine; Mesenteric arteries; Choline acetyltransferase; Endothelium; Choline transport; Non-neuronal cholinergic system; Muscarinic receptors; Atropine; Organic cation transporters; Calcium imaging; En-face; Acetylcholinesterase; Vasculature; Endothelial cell tubes
• Subjects: Blood-vessels; Cholinergic mechanisms; Mesenteric artery; Vascular endothelium; "Non-neuronal cholinergic system"; Nitric oxide; Calcium--Physiological effect; Acetylcholine--Receptors; Acetylcholine