How do blood vessels 'talk' to each other? This study investigates the mechanisms by which endothelial cells, the cells lining blood vessels, communicate to coordinate vascular functions. Using precision signal generation and high spatiotemporal mesoscale Ca2+ imaging, the research examines how calcium wave propagation is maintained despite potential disruptions in cellular connectivity. Multiple mechanisms maintain communication so that Ca2+ wave propagation occurs irrespective of the status of connectivity among cells. The inositide is itself sufficient to evoke regenerative phospholipase C‐dependent Ca2+ waves across coupled cells. Between adjoining cells, regenerative IP3‐induced IP3 production transmits Ca2+ signals and explains the propagated vasodilation that underlies the increased blood flow accompanying tissue activity. These results show that signalling switches underlie endothelial cell‐to‐cell signal transmission and reveal how communication is maintained in the face of endothelial damage. The findings provide a new framework for understanding wave propagation and cell signalling in the endothelium.
Published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, this research aligns well with the journal's focus on the mechanisms of drug action and physiological processes. The research on intercellular signaling in the endothelium contributes to understanding how the vascular system responds to pharmacological interventions.