Effects of connexin-mimetic peptides on perfusion pressure in response to phenylephrine in isolated, perfused rat kidneys

Background Gap junction intercellular communication plays a fundamental role in various tissues and organs. Gap junctions transfer ions and molecules between adjacent cells and are formed by connexins (Cx). It is supposed that vascular conducted responses, which most likely spread through gap junctions in vascular beds, regulate microcirculatory blood flow and maintain vascular resistance. This study provides functional evidence supporting the critical role of gap junctions in a physiological setting and in phenylephrine (PE)-induced vasoconstriction using an ex vivo kidney perfusion technique.