Results: 

The data demonstrate a severe weakening of the lymphatic pump in aged MLV including diminished lymphatic contraction amplitude, contraction frequency, and as a result, lymphatic pump activity. The data also suggest that the imposed flow gradient-generated shear-dependent relaxation does not exist in aged rat MLV, and the sensitivity of both adult and aged MLV to such shear cannot be eliminated by nitric oxide (NO) synthases C59 wnt in vivo blockade. Conclusions:  These data provide new evidence of lymphatic regional heterogeneity for both adult and aged MLV. In MLV, a constant interplay between the tonic and phasic components of the myogenic response and the shear-dependent release of NO predominantly determine the level of contractile activity;

the existence of another shear-dependent, but NO-independent regulatory mechanism is probably present. Aging remarkably weakens MLV contractility, which would predispose this lymphatic network to lower total lymph flow in resting conditions and limit the ability to respond to an edemagenic challenge in the elderly. “
“Dynamic changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels in vascular smooth muscle cells are critically important for cardiovascular regulation. This Special Topic Issue highlights a series of expert selleck inhibitor opinion articles focused on this important subject. After Phosphatidylinositol diacylglycerol-lyase a brief overview, novel discoveries surrounding smooth muscle cell Ca2+ influx via L-type and T-type channels are reviewed. Current work revealing the functional importance

of dynamic Ca2+ signaling in the control of the parenchymal microvasculature and the emerging role of mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling and store-operated Ca2+ entry in smooth muscle cells is discussed. Finally, recent data describing a new target of localized Ca2+ signaling in arterial myocytes that is responsible for membrane depolarization is reviewed. Authors were encouraged to write in an opinionated and provocative manner with the hope of stimulating discussion in this area of research. “
“Please cite this paper as: White K, Kane NM, Milligan G, Baker AH. The role of miRNA in stem cell pluripotency and commitment to the vascular endothelial lineage. Microcirculation19: 196–207, 2012. Vascular endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells have substantial potential for the development of novel vascular therapeutics and cell-based therapies for the repair of ischemic damage. To gain maximum benefit from this source of cells, a complete understanding of the changes in gene expression and how they are regulated is required. miRNAs have been demonstrated to play a critical role in controlling stem cell pluripotency and differentiation and are important for mature endothelial cell function.