Fig. 2
Influence of the KATP channel on the vascular smooth muscle tone. Closing of KATP channels leads to depolarization of the vascular smooth muscle cell, thereby opening the voltage gated calcium channels and causing vasoconstriction. Opening of the KATP channels leads to an efflux of potassium, thereby hyperpolarizing the plasma membrane, causing the voltage gated calcium channels to close, which results in vasodilation. AVP, arginine vasopressin; Ca2+, calcium ion; K+, potassium ion. Adapted from Landry and Oliver [10]