Large-conductance calcium-activated K+ channels, rather than KATP channels, mediate the inhibitory effects of nitric oxide on mouse lymphatic pumping.

Inhibition of mouse lymphatic contractions by NO primarily involves activation of BK channels, rather than KATP channels. Thus, BK channels are a potential target for therapeutic reversal of lymph pump inhibition by NO generated by immune cell activation of iNOS in chronic lymphoedema.