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Editorial
. 2014 Aug 15;115(5):475-7.
doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.114.304589.

Ceramide signaling in the coronary microcirculation: a double-edged sword?

Brian R Weil  1 , John M Canty Jr  2
Affiliations
Editorial

Ceramide signaling in the coronary microcirculation: a double-edged sword?

Brian R Weil et al. Circ Res. .
No abstract available

Keywords: Editorials; ceramides; microcirculation.

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Figures

Figure
Figure. Schematic representation of potential ceramide-mediated structural and functional effects on the coronary microcirculation
In healthy subjects (A), an increase in flow through a coronary arteriole elicits flow-induced dilation mediated by endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Ceramide accumulation occurs with the development of coronary artery disease (B), promoting a switch in the mediator of flow-induced dilation from nitric oxide to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, ceramide signaling elicits proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, contributing to arteriolar structural remodeling characterized by increased wall thickness and reduced lumen diameter. Although the compensatory up-regulation of hydrogen peroxide-mediated vasodilation preserves the relative magnitude of flow-induced dilation, structural changes limit the absolute dilatory capacity of the vessel, resulting in an increased minimum coronary vascular resistance that limits coronary flow reserve.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

References

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