['We tested the hypothesis that K(V)7 channels contribute to basal renal vascular tone and that they participate in agonist-induced renal vasoconstriction or vasodilation.', 'KV 7 channel subtypes in renal arterioles were characterized by immunofluorescence. Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured using an ultrasonic flow probe. The isometric tension of rat interlobar arteries was examined in a wire myograph. Mice afferent arteriolar diameter was assessed utilizing the perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique.', 'Immunofluorescence revealed that K(V)7.4 channels were expressed in rat afferent arterioles. The K(V)7 blocker XE991 dose-dependently increased the isometric tension of rat interlobar arteries and caused a small (approx. 4.5%) RBF reduction in vivo. Nifedipine abolished these effects. Likewise, XE991 reduced mouse afferent arteriolar diameter by approx. 5%. The K(V)7.2-5 stimulator flupirtine dose-dependently relaxed isolated rat interlobar arteries and increased (approx. 5%) RBF in vivo. The RBF responses to NE or Ang II administration were not affected by pre-treatment with XE991 or flupirtine. XE991 pre-treatment caused a minor augmentation of the acetylcholine-induced increase in RBF, while flupirtine pre-treatment did not affect this response.'] Do k ( V ) 7.4 channels participate in the control of rodent renal vascular resting tone?