Abstract:Endothelial cell activation can hyperpolarize vascular myocytes, resulting in myocyte relaxation and vessel dilation. Direct communication by way of myoendothelial junctions (MEJ) made through the internal elastic lamina (IEL) contributes to vasodilatory responses. The function of the MEJ in pulmonary arteries is not completely understood and less is known regarding their function before birth. The fetal lung has little blood flow and endothelium‐dependent relaxation of pulmonary arteries is limited, which lea… Show more
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