Fig. 9.
Endothelial coupling resistance influences the ascension of electrical responses in a virtual arterial network. For simulations, an endothelial segment in all fifth-order arteries was voltage clamped 15 mV negative to resting Vm (−40 mV, 200 ms) under control conditions and in which endothelial-endothelial (EC-EC) coupling resistance was increased from 1.5 to 4.5–6.0 MΩ. Endothelial (solid line) and smooth muscle (dotted line) voltage responses were displayed in steady state with the use of color maps (A) or 2-dimensional plots (B and C). Arrow heads denote sites of stimulation.