Openers of calcium-activated potassium channels and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations in the guinea pig carotid artery

This study was designed to determine whether putative openers of calcium-activated potassium channels of small and/or intermediate conductance (SKCa and IKCa) induce vascular smooth muscle hyperpolarizations and to identify the underlying mechanisms. The membrane potential of guinea pig carotid artery smooth muscle cells was recorded with intracellular microelectrodes in the presence of N-omega -nitro-