Human Genetics & Embryology

Susumu Minamisawa

Publications

• Review Article
  Role of Ion Channels in Ductus Arteriosus Closure
  Author(s): Toru Akaike and Susumu MinamisawaToru Akaike and Susumu Minamisawa
  
  The Ductus Arteriosus (DA) is a normal and essential fetal structure that connects the main pulmonary artery and the descending aorta. The DA constriction which occurs immediately after birth is triggered by: (a) an increase in oxygen tension, (b) a dramatic decline in circulating PGE2 and a promotion of its degradation in the lung, (c) a decrease in the expression of PGE receptors in the DA wall and (d) a decrease in blood pressure within the DA. Ion channels play an essential role in this acute response that is known as functional DA closure. Oxygenation from fetal to neonatal circulation inhibits several potassium channels (voltage-dependent and ATP-dependent), which then leads to membrane depolarization. This depolarization triggers the activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels, and extracellular calcium then enters into the cytosol of smooth muscle cells of the DA. Calcium.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2161-0436.1000116

  Abstract PDF