Involvement of Gi protein-dependent BK channel activation in β-adrenoceptor-mediated dilation of retinal arterioles in rats.

Circulating catecholamines contribute to the regulation of retinal vascular tone. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the activation of large-conductance Ca-activated K (BK) channels is involved in the β-adrenoceptor-mediated dilation of retinal arterioles in rats. The present study aimed to examine the role of Gi protein in the β-adrenoceptor-mediated activation of BK channels in the retinal arterioles.