How Kv7 ion channels contribute to relaxation in blood vessels and what changes in hypertension

Physiological impact of Kv7 channels in cAMP-mediated arterial dilatation

Adults with high blood pressure have a higher risk of developing heart and circulatory disease. High blood pressure can arise as a result of blood vessels losing their elasticity, meaning that blood vessels cannot expand and contract as effectively to regulate blood flow. Dr Iain Greenwood from St George’s, University of London, has been awarded a grant to investigate the factors that control the relaxation of blood vessels to allow blood to move more freely to nourish organs with oxygen. The research is important because in people with high blood pressure the blood vessels do not relax properly, putting a strain on organs. Dr Greenwood is particularly interested in a type of channel (Kv7) in the blood vessel wall that is controlled by potassium and regulates the contraction of blood vessels, allowing them to relax. He wants to understand more about how these channels control blood vessel wall contraction. Better knowledge about these channels is important to defining new ways to prevent high blood pressure and its devastating consequences.