Apigenin‐induced nitric oxide production involves calcium‐activated potassium channels and is responsible for antiangiogenic effects

Summary. Background: The dietary flavonoid apigenin (Api) has been demonstrated to exert multiple beneficial effects upon the vascular endothelium. The aim of this study was to examine whether Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa) are involved in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production and antiangiogenic effects.Methods: Endothelial NO generation was monitored using a cyclic guanosine monophosphate radioimmunoassay. KCa activity and changes of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i were analyzed using the fluorescent dyes bis-barbituric acid oxonol, potassium-binding benzofuran isophthalate, and fluo-3. The endothelial angiogenic parameters measured were cell proliferation, [3H]-thymidine…