Cerebral arteriole smooth muscle cell

Cerebral arteriole smooth muscle cells are specialized contractile cells found in the walls of cerebral arterioles, playing a central role in regulating cerebral blood flow and maintaining appropriate perfusion to brain tissue[1][2][3]. These cells respond to neuronal and glial signals by dynamically adjusting arteriole diameter through contraction and relaxation, primarily via complex regulation of their membrane potential and the activity of multiple ion channels, including voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa), voltage-gated K+ channels, and others[3][4][5][6][8]. They are key components in neurovascular coupling, coordinating local blood supply with neuronal metabolic demands, and contribute to the integrity of the blood–brain barrier[1][2]. Dysfunction of these cells can lead to impaired cerebral blood flow regulation, contributing to diseases such as stroke, hypertension, and neurodegeneration[1][7]. Note: "Cerebral arteriole smooth muscle cell" is not a canonical therapeutic target like a specific receptor, enzyme, or ion channel; it refers to a cell type rather than a single molecular entity. Instead, drugs target molecular components (e.g., Ca2+ channels) on or within these cells. Therefore, "is_target" is false, and "is_incorrect" is true for use as a canonical drug target name.

Other names

Cerebral arteriole vascular smooth muscle cellCerebral arteriole VSMCCerebral vascular smooth muscle cell

Inhibition of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels reduces contraction through lowering intracellular Ca2+ concentration; Activation of potassium channels promotes hyperpolarization and smooth muscle relaxation; Inhibition of angiotensin II or norepinephrine effects can reduce vasoconstriction