Regulation of RhoA/ROCK and sustained arterial contraction by low cytosolic Ca2+ levels during prolonged depolarization of arterial smooth muscle

Vascular Pharmacology
Cristina Porras-GonzálezJuan Ureña

Abstract

The role of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) and RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) on depolarization-induced sustained arterial contraction lasting several minutes is already known. However, in vivo, vascular smooth muscle cells can be depolarized for longer periods, inducing substantial inactivation of LTCCs and markedly reducing Ca2+ influx into the myocytes. We have examined, in femoral arterial rings, the role of LTCCs and RhoA/ROCK during long-lasting depolarization. Our results reveal a new vasoreactive response after 20-30min of depolarization in 2.5mM external Ca2+ that has not been identified previously with shorter stimuli. Prolonged depolarization-induced arterial contraction was permanently abolished when arterial rings were treated with 100nM external Ca2+ or 20nM nifedipine. However, when Ca2+ influx was restricted, applying ~7μM external Ca2+ solution or 3nM nifedipine, vasorelaxation was transient, and isometric force slowly increased after 30min and maintained its level until the end of the stimulus. Under these conditions, arterial contraction showed the same temporal course of RhoA activity and was sensitive to fasudil, nifedipine and cyclopiazonic acid. Ca2+-response curve in β-escin permeabilized arteries was also sensiti...Continue Reading

Citations


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.