Systemic peripheral artery relaxation by KCNQ channel openers and hydrogen sulfide.

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue secretes an adipocyte-derived relaxing factor (ADRF) that opens voltage-dependent K (Kv) channels in peripheral arteries. We studied the role of KCNQ-type Kv channels and tested the hypothesis that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) could be an ADRF.

Methods: We performed isometric contraction studies on systemic arteries of rats and mice.