“…14 In blood-brain barrier endothelial cells, inhibiting hemichannels or ATP signalling blocked bradykinin-triggered Ca 2þ oscillations and prevented vascular barrier dysfunction. 15,16 Vascular cells express several Cxs, including Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 in endothelial cells, and Cx37, Cx43, and Cx45 in SMCs. [17][18][19] Pannexins are related to the Cx-protein family: they have a similar topology but no sequence homology with Cxs and form plasma membrane channels that, like Cx-hemichannels, are Ca 2þ -permeable and function as ATP release channels.…”