Therapeutic potential of pharmacologically targeting arteriolar myogenic tone

The arteriolar myogenic response, which is defined as vasoconstriction to increases in intraluminal pressure and, conversely, dilation to a reduction in pressure, is key in the setting of vascular resistance, local control of microvascular blood flow through autoregulation, and in the control of capillary hydrostatic pressure. Although considerable progress has been made in the quest for understanding the underlying sensory apparatus and cellular mechanisms, fundamental questions remain – particularly if this pathway is to be considered as a target for novel strategies of pharmacological intervention. We propose that an ability to ‘re-set’ myogenic tone would enable modification of systemic vascular resistance and pressure while at the same time preserving existing interactions with neurohumoral regulatory mechanisms. The challenge, therefore, is to identify steps unique to the myogenic signaling pathway to enable specific pharmacological targeting.