Involvement of stretch activated (SA) ion channels in cardiovascular responses to mechanical stimuli

Cardiovascular system exhibits various responses to mechanical stimulations. Overload in heart induces arrhythmias or hypertrophy. Increases in blood flow or blood pressure elicit vessel dilation via an activation of endothelial cells. Although the molecular mechanism of these responses are unclear, the evidence has been accumulated that the stretch activated (SA) ion channel acts as a primary sensor for mechanical stimuli. In this article, cardiovascular responses to mechanical stimuli have been summarized and the possible role of SA channels is discussed.