Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

Signal Transduction Mechanisms

The regulation of cardiac and vascular function depends on various substances (e.g., neurotransmitters, circulating hormones, paracrine substances) signaling a cell to alter its function. Generally, this is accomplished through the binding of a chemical entity (ligand) to a receptor, most commonly located on the cell membrane. When a ligand binds to a receptor, the receptor signals biochemical changes within the cell that can lead to changes, for example, in muscle contraction, the firing of cardiac pacemakers, or the conduction of electrical impulses in the the heart.

There are several major signal transduction mechanisms found in cells of the cardiovascular system, the most important being the G-protein, IP₃, and cyclic GMP pathways. Click on the following links to read detailed descriptions of these mechanisms in cardiac cell and vascular smooth muscle cells:

    Cardiac Signal Transduction Mechanisms

    Vascular Signal Transduction Mechanisms

RK Revised 03/31/2007

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.

© 1999-2008 Richard E. Klabunde, all rights reserved.