Effects of guanosine nucleotides on skinned smooth muscle tissue of the rabbit mesenteric artery

Inhibition of uterine contractility by guanine-based purines in non-pregnant rats

Growing evidence pointed out that guanine-based purines are able to modulate smooth muscle contractile activity of blood vessels and gastrointestinal tract. Since, so far, possible guanine-based purine modulation of uterine musculature is unknown, the aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro, using organ bath technique, guanosine and guanine effects on spontaneous uterine contraction, and uterine contraction induced by K⁺-depolarization and oxytocin in a non-pregnant rat. Guanosine, but not guanine, reduced the amplitude of spontaneous contraction of the uterine muscle in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory response was antagonized by S-(4-nitrobenzyl)-6-thioinosine (NBTI), a membrane nucleoside transporter inhibitor, but persisted in the presence of theophylline, a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist, or propanolol, β₁/β₂ adrenoreceptor antagonist or blockers of a nitrergic pathway. In addition, potassium channel blockers did not influence guanosine-induced effects. Guanosine was able to inhibit the external calcium (Ca²⁺) influx-induced contraction, but it did not affect the contraction induced by high-KCl solution, indicating that guanosine does not interact with L-type voltage-gated calcium channel. Guanosine prevented/reduced uterine contractions induced by oxytocin, even in the absence of external calcium. In conclusion, guanosine is able to reduce both spontaneous and oxytocin-induced contractions of rat myometrium, likely subsequently to its intracellular intake. The blockade of extracellular Ca²⁺ influx and reduction of Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular store are the mechanisms involved in the guanosine-induced tocolytic effects.

Muscle Metabolome Profiles in Woody Breast-(un)Affected Broilers: Effects of Quantum Blue Phytase-Enriched Diet

Woody breast (WB) myopathy is significantly impacting modern broilers and is imposing a huge economic burden on the poultry industry worldwide. Yet, its etiology is not fully defined. In a previous study, we have shown that hypoxia and the activation of its upstream mediators (AKT/PI3K/mTOR) played a key role in WB myopathy, and supplementation of quantum blue (QB) can help to reduce WB severity via modulation of hypoxia-related pathways. To gain further insights, we undertook here a metabolomics approach to identify key metabolite signatures and outline their most enriched biological functions. Ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) identified a total of 108 known metabolites. Of these, mean intensity differences at P < 0.05 were found in 60 metabolites with 42 higher and 18 lower in WB-affected compared to unaffected muscles. Multivariate analysis and Partial Least Squares Discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) scores plot displayed different clusters when comparing metabolites profile from affected and unaffected tissues and from moderate (MOD) and severe (SEV) WB muscles indicating that unique metabolite profiles are present for the WB-affected and unaffected muscles. To gain biologically related molecule networks, a stringent pathway analyses was conducted using IPA knowledge-base. The top 10 canonical pathways generated, using a fold-change -1.5 and 1.5 cutoff, with the 50 differentially abundant-metabolites were purine nucleotide degradation and de novo biosynthesis, sirtuin signaling pathway, citrulline-nitric oxide cycle, salvage pathways of pyrimidine DNA, IL-1 signaling, iNOS, Angiogenesis, PI3K/AKT signaling, and oxidative phosphorylation. The top altered bio-functions in term of molecular and cellular functions in WB-affected tissues included cellular development, cellular growth and proliferation, cellular death and survival, small molecular biochemistry, inflammatory response, free radical scavenging, cell signaling and cell-to-cell interaction, cell cycles, and lipid, carbohydrate, amino acid, and nucleic acid metabolisms. The top disorder functions identified were organismal injury and abnormalities, cancer, skeletal and muscular disorders, connective tissue disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Breast tissues from birds fed with high dose (2,000 FTU) of QB phytase exhibited 22 metabolites with significantly different levels compared to the control group with a clear cluster using PLS-DA analysis. Of these 22 metabolites, 9 were differentially abundant between WB-affected and unaffected muscles. Taken together, this study determined many metabolic signatures and disordered pathways, which could be regarded as new routes for discovering potential mechanisms of WB myopathy.

Acute and chronic role of nitric oxide, renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous system in the modulation of calcium sensitization in Wistar rats

Principal vasoactive systems - renin-angiotensin system (RAS), sympathetic nervous system (SNS), nitric oxide (NO) and prostanoids - exert their vascular effects through the changes in calcium levels and/or calcium sensitization. To estimate a possible modulation of calcium sensitization by the above vasoactive systems, we studied the influence of acute and chronic blockade of particular vasoactive systems on blood pressure (BP) changes elicited in conscious normotensive rats by acute dose-dependent administration of Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil. Adult male chronically cannulated Wistar rats were used throughout this study. The acute inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) by L-NAME enhanced BP response to fasudil, the effect being considerably augmented in rats deprived of endogenous SNS. The acute inhibition of prostanoid synthesis by indomethacin modified BP response to fasudil less than the acute NOS inhibition. The chronic NOS inhibition caused moderate BP elevation and a more pronounced augmentation of fasudil-induced BP changes compared to the effect of acute NOS inhibition. This indicates both short-term and long-term NO-dependent attenuation of calcium sensitization. Long-term inhibition of RAS by captopril caused a significant attenuation of BP changes elicited by fasudil. In contrast, a long-term attenuation of SNS by chronic guanethidine treatment (in youth or adulthood) had no effect on BP response to fasudil, suggesting the absence of SNS does not affect calcium sensitization in vascular smooth muscle of normotensive rats. In conclusion, renin-angiotensin system contributes to the long-term increase of calcium sensitization and its effect is counterbalanced by nitric oxide which decreases calcium sensitization in Wistar rats.

Rac1 regulates myosin II phosphorylation through regulation of myosin light chain phosphatase

Phosphorylation of regulatory light chain (MLC) activates myosin II, which enables it to promote contractile and motile activities of cells. We report here a novel signaling mechanism that activates MLC phosphorylation and smooth muscle contraction. Contractile agonists activated Rac1, and Rac1 inhibition diminished agonist-induced MLC phosphorylation, thus inhibiting smooth muscle contraction. Rac1 inhibits the activity of MLC phosphatase (MLCP) but not that of MLC kinase, through a phosphatase that targets MYPT1 (a regulatory subunit of MLCP) and CPI-17 (a MLCP specific inhibitor) rather than through the RhoA-Rho dependent kinase (ROCK) pathway. Rac1 inhibition decreased the activity of protein kinase C (PKC), which also contributes to the change in CPI-17 phosphorylation. We propose that activation of Rac1 increases the activity of PKC, which increases the phosphorylation of CPI-17 and MYPT1 by inhibiting the phosphatase that targets these proteins, thereby decreasing the activity of MLCP and increasing phosphorylation of MLC. Our results suggest that Rac1 coordinates with RhoA to increase MLC phosphorylation by inactivation of CPI-17/MYPT1 phosphatase, which decreases MLCP activity thus promoting MLC phosphorylation and cell contraction.

3',4'-Dihydroxyflavonol reduces vascular contraction through Ca²⁺ desensitization in permeabilized rat mesenteric artery

3',4'-Dihydroxyflavonol (DiOHF) exerts endothelium-independent relaxation in rat aortic rings. In this study, we hypothesized that DiOHF reduces vascular contraction through Ca²⁺ desensitization in permeabilized third-order branches of rat mesenteric arteries. The third-order branches of rat mesenteric arteries were permeabilized with β-escin and subjected to tension measurement. Cumulative addition of phenylephrine (0.3-30 μM) produced concentration-dependent vascular contraction of endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded arterial rings, which were inhibited by pretreatment with DiOHF (10, 30, or 100 μM). In addition, DiOHF dose-dependently decreased vascular contractions induced by 3.0 μM phenylephrine. β-Escin-permeabilized third-order branches of mesenteric arteries were contracted with Ca²⁺, NaF, or guanosine-5'-(γ-thio)triphosphate (GTPγS) 30 min after pretreatment with DiOHF or vehicle. Pretreatment with DiOHF for 30 min inhibited vascular contraction induced by cumulative additions of Ca²⁺ (pCa 9.0-6.0) or NaF (4.0-16.0 mM) in permeabilized arterial rings. Cumulative addition of DiOHF also reduced vascular contraction induced by Ca²⁺-controlled solution of pCa 6.0, 16.0 mM NaF, or 100 μM GTPγS in permeabilized arterial rings. DiOHF inhibited the increase in vascular tension provoked by calyculin A, even though it did not affect vascular tension already produced by calyculin A. DiOHF accelerated the relaxation induced by rapidly lowering Ca²⁺. DiOHF reduced vascular contraction through Ca²⁺ desensitization in permeabilized third-order branches of rat mesenteric arteries. These results suggest that DiOHF may have a therapeutic potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Rho-kinase inhibition attenuates calcium-induced contraction in β-escin but not Triton X-100 permeabilized rabbit femoral artery

K+-depolarization (KCl) of smooth muscle has long been known to cause Ca2+-dependent contraction, but only recently has this G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-independent stimulus been associated with rhoA kinase (ROCK)-dependent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase inhibition and Ca2+ sensitization. This study examined effects of ROCK inhibition on the concentration-response curves (CRCs) generated in femoral artery by incrementally adding increasing concentrations of KCl to intact tissues, and Ca2+ to tissues permeabilized with Triton X-100, β-escin and α-toxin. For a comparison, tissue responses were assessed also in the presence of protein kinase C (PKC) and MLC kinase inhibition. The ROCK inhibitor H-1152 induced a strong concentration-dependent inhibition of a KCl CRC. A relatively low GF-109203X concentration (1 μM) sufficient to inhibit conventional PKC isotypes also inhibited the KCl CRC but did not affect the maximum tension. ROCK inhibitors had no effect on the Ca2+ CRC induced in Triton X-100 or α-toxin permeabilized tissues, but depressed the maximum contraction induced in β-escin permeabilized tissue. GF-109203X at 1 μM depressed the maximum Ca2+-dependent contraction induced in α-toxin permeabilized tissue and had no effect on the Ca2+ CRC induced in Triton X-100 permeabilized tissue. The MLC kinase inhibitor wortmannin (1 μM) strongly depression the Ca2+ CRCs in tissues permeabilized with Triton X-100, α-toxin and β-escin. H-1152 inhibited contractions induced by a single exposure to a submaximum [Ca2+] (pCa 6) in both rabbit and mouse femoral arteries. These data indicate that β-escin permeabilized muscle preserves GPCR-independent, Ca2+- and ROCK-dependent, Ca2+ sensitization.

Regulation of smooth muscle calcium sensitivity: KCl as a calcium-sensitizing stimulus

KCl has long been used as a convenient stimulus to bypass G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) and activate smooth muscle by a highly reproducible and relatively “simple” mechanism involving activation of voltage-operated Ca2+channels that leads to increases in cytosolic free Ca2+([Ca2+]i), Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain (MLC) kinase activation, MLC phosphorylation and contraction. This KCl-induced stimulus-response coupling mechanism is a standard tool-set used in comparative studies to explore more complex mechanisms generated by activation of GPCRs. One area where this approach has been especially productive is in studies designed to understand Ca2+sensitization, the relationship between [Ca2+]iand force produced by GPCR agonists. Studies done in the late 1980s demonstrated that a unique relationship between stimulus-induced [Ca2+]iand force does not exist: for a given increase in [Ca2+]i, GPCR activation can produce greater force than KCl, and relaxant agents can produce the opposite effect to cause Ca2+desensitization. Such changes in Ca2+sensitivity are now known to involve multiple cell signaling strategies, including translocation of proteins from cytosol to plasma membrane, and activation of enzymes, including RhoA kinase and protein kinase C. However, recent studies show that KCl can also cause Ca2+sensitization involving translocation and activation of RhoA kinase. Rather than complicating the Ca2+sensitivity story, this surprising finding is already providing novel insights into mechanisms regulating Ca2+sensitivity of smooth muscle contraction. KCl as a “simple” stimulus promises to remain a standard tool for smooth muscle cell physiologists, whose focus is to understand mechanisms regulating Ca2+sensitivity.

K+ depolarization induces RhoA kinase translocation to caveolae and Ca2+ sensitization of arterial muscle

KCl causes smooth muscle contraction by elevating intracellular free Ca2+, whereas receptor stimulation activates an additional mechanism, termed Ca2+ sensitization, that can involve activation of RhoA-associated kinase (ROK) and PKC. However, recent studies support the hypothesis that KCl may also increase Ca2+ sensitivity. Our data showed that the PKC inhibitor GF-109203X did not, whereas the ROK inhibitor Y-27632 did, inhibit KCl-induced tonic (5 min) force and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in rabbit artery. Y-27632 also inhibited BAY K 8644- and ionomycin-induced MLC phosphorylation and force but did not inhibit KCl-induced Ca2+ entry or peak ( approximately 15 s) force. Moreover, KCl and BAY K 8644 nearly doubled the amount of ROK colocalized to caveolae at 30 s, a time that preceded inhibition of force by Y-27632. Colocalization was not inhibited by Y-27632 but was abolished by nifedipine and the calmodulin blocker trifluoperazine. These data support the hypothesis that KCl caused Ca2+ sensitization via ROK activation. We discuss a novel model for ROK activation involving translocation to caveolae that is dependent on Ca2+ entry and involves Ca2+-calmodulin activation.

Calcium-dependent and calcium-independent contractions in smooth muscles

This review examines signal transduction pathways mediating agonist-induced contraction of circular muscle in the body of the esophagus and in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In the LES, circular muscle agonists activate a well-defined contractile pathway, involving calcium (Ca(2+))-induced activation of calmodulin and myosin kinase, causing phosphorylation of 20-kDa myosin light chains (MLCs) and contraction. In this pathway, phosphorylation and contraction may be modulated by other factors, resulting, for instance, in inhibition of phosphatase activity, which may potentiate MLC phosphorylation. The agonist-activated contractile pathway of circular muscle from the esophageal body is not as well defined, and it is different from the LES contractile pathway, as it depends on activation of a Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C (PKC), PKC-epsilon. In this pathway, agonist-induced Ca(2+) influx and/or release activate phospholipases to produce second messengers, such as diacylglycerol and arachidonic acid. The second messengers, however, activate a PKC-epsilon and a contractile pathway, which is Ca(2+) independent. This contractile pathway depends on activation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1 and ERK2 and of p38 MAP kinase. These kinases are, in turn, linked to the small heat-shock protein HSP27, to integrin-linked kinase, and perhaps to other Ca(2+)-independent kinases, such as zipper kinase capable of producing MLC phosphorylation and contraction.

Angiotensin II-induced modulation of endothelium-dependent relaxation in rabbit mesenteric resistance arteries

The role of local endogenous angiotensin II (Ang II) in endothelial function in resistance arteries was investigated using rabbit mesenteric resistance arteries. First, the presence of immunoreactive Ang II together with Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was confirmed in these arteries. In endothelium-intact strips, the AT1R-blocker olmesartan (1 microM) and the ACE-inhibitor temocaprilat (1 microM) each enhanced the ACh (0.03 microM)-induced relaxation during the contraction induced by noradrenaline (NA, 10 microM). Similar effects were obtained using CV-11974 (another AT1R blocker) and enalaprilat (another ACE inhibitor). The nitric-oxide-synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) abolished the above effect of olmesartan. In endothelium-denuded strips, olmesartan enhanced the relaxation induced by the NO donor NOC-7 (10 nM). Olmesartan had no effect on cGMP production (1) in endothelium-intact strips (in the absence or presence of ACh) or (2) in endothelium-denuded strips (in the absence or presence of NOC-7). In beta-escin-skinned strips, 8-bromoguanosine 3',5' cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cGMP, 0.01-1 microM) concentration dependently inhibited the contractions induced (a) by 0.3 microM Ca2+ in the presence of NA+GTP and (b) by 0.2 microM Ca2++GTPgammaS. Olmesartan significantly enhanced, while Ang II (0.1 nM) significantly inhibited, the 8-Br-cGMP-induced relaxation. We propose the novel hypothesis that in these arteries, Ang II localized within smooth muscle cells activates AT1Rs and inhibits ACh-induced, endothelium-dependent relaxation at least partly by inhibiting the action of cGMP on these cells.

RhoA kinase and protein kinase C participate in regulation of rabbit stomach fundus smooth muscle contraction

1. The degree to which the RhoA kinase (ROK) blockers, Y-27632 (1 micro M) and HA-1077 (10 micro M), and the PKC blocker, GF-109203X (1 micro M), reduced force produced by carbachol, a muscarinic receptor agonist, and phenylephrine, an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, was examined in rabbit stomach fundus smooth muscle. 2. When examining the effect on cumulative carbachol concentration-response curves (CRCs), ROK and PKC blockers shifted the potency EC50 to the right but did not reduce the maximum response. 3. In a single-dose carbachol protocol using moderate ( approximately EC50 and maximum carbachol concentrations, Y-27632 and HA-1077 reduced peak force, but GF-109203X had no effect. By contrast, all three agents inhibited the carbachol contractions of rabbit bladder (detrusor) smooth muscle. 4. Compared to carbachol, phenylephrine produced a weaker maximum response that was not inhibited by phentolamine, atropine nor capsaicin but was inhibited by Y-27632, HA-1077 and GF-109203X. 5. In detrusor, classical down-regulation occurred, but in fundus, up-regulation of responsiveness occurred. This up-regulation in fundus may have been a post-receptor event, because a KCl-induced contraction produced after a carbachol CRC was stronger than one produced before the carbachol stimulus. 6. In conclusion, these data suggest that ROK plays a critical role in the regulation of rabbit fundus smooth muscle contraction, which is distinct from chicken gizzard smooth muscle, where ROK is reported to exist but to not play a role in muscarinic receptor-induced contraction. Additional unique findings are that PKC participates in phenylephrine- but not carbachol-induced contraction in fundus, that carbachol does not activate identical subcellular signalling systems in fundus and detrusor, and that fundus, unlike detrusor, responds to carbachol stimulation with post-receptor up-regulation of contraction.

Involvement of small GTPase Rho in cardiovascular diseases

An increment in a cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration is the key event in smooth muscle contraction. However, smooth muscle contraction is modified upon the stimulation by agonists as well as in some pathophysiological situations through a Ca(2+)-independent mechanism. The molecular mechanism underlying this modulation has not been elucidated. Small GTPase Rho regulates cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, cell motility, and smooth muscle contraction through its specific effector proteins. Recent studies have shown the important role of Rho and its effector, Rho-associated kinase (Rho-kinase)/ROK/ROCK in Ca(2+)-independent regulation of smooth muscle contraction. The Rho/Rho-kinase pathway is involved in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and vasospasm, and it is a potent target of new therapies for not only cardiovascular diseases, but also for the protection of multiple organs.

Ca2+-induced contraction of cat esophageal circular smooth muscle cells

ACh-induced contraction of esophageal circular muscle (ESO) depends on Ca2+ influx and activation of protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon). PKCepsilon, however, is known to be Ca2+ independent. To determine where Ca2+ is needed in this PKCepsilon-mediated contractile pathway, we examined successive steps in Ca2+-induced contraction of ESO muscle cells permeabilized by saponin. Ca2+ (0.2-1.0 microM) produced a concentration-dependent contraction that was antagonized by antibodies against PKCepsilon (but not by PKCbetaII or PKCgamma antibodies), by a calmodulin inhibitor, by MLCK inhibitors, or by GDPbetas. Addition of 1 microM Ca2+ to permeable cells caused myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, which was inhibited by the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, by D609 [phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C inhibitor], and by propranolol (phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase inhibitor). Ca2+-induced contraction and diacylglycerol (DAG) production were reduced by D609 and by propranolol, alone or in combination. In addition, contraction was reduced by AACOCF(3) (cytosolic phospholipase A(2) inhibitor). These data suggest that Ca2+ may directly activate phospholipases, producing DAG and arachidonic acid (AA), and PKCepsilon, which may indirectly cause phosphorylation of MLC. In addition, direct G protein activation by GTPgammaS augmented Ca2+-induced contraction and caused dose-dependent production of DAG, which was antagonized by D609 and propranolol. We conclude that agonist (ACh)-induced contraction may be mediated by activation of phospholipase through two distinct mechanisms (increased intracellular Ca2+ and G protein activation), producing DAG and AA, and activating PKCepsilon-dependent mechanisms to cause contraction.

Pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i)-proteins and intracellular calcium sensitivity of vasoconstriction in the intact rat tail artery

1. We studied the involvement of pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins in the sensitivity of arterial constriction to intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) mobilization. 2. Vasoconstriction was measured in vitro in perfused, de-endothelialized rat tail arteries loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye, fura-2 and treated or not with PTX (30 - 1000 ng ml(-1)). Arteries were stimulated with noradrenaline (NA, 0.1 - 100 microM) or KCl (15 - 120 mM). 3. KCl elicited a smaller vasoconstrictor response (E(max)=94+/-8 mmHg) than NA (E(max)=198+/-9 mmHg) although [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization was similar (E(max)=123+/-8 and 135+/-7 nM for KCl and NA, respectively). PTX (1000 ng ml(-1)) had no effect on [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization but lowered NA- (but not KCl-) induced vasoconstriction (E(max)=118+/-7 mmHg). 4. G(i/o)-proteins were revealed by immunoblotting with anti-G(i alpha) and anti-G(o alpha) antibodies in membranes prepared from de-endothelialized tail arteries. [alpha(32)P]-ADP-ribosylation of G-proteins by PTX (1000 ng ml(-1)) was demonstrated in the intact rat tail artery (pixels in the absence of PTX: 3150, presence: 25053). 5. In conclusion, we suggest that smooth muscle cells possess a PTX-sensitive G(i)-protein-mediated intracellular pathway which amplifies [Ca(2+)](i) sensitivity of contraction in the presence of agonists such as NA.

Molecular analysis of non-specific supersensitivity induced by AF64A in rat iris smooth muscle

Characteristics of supersensitivity induced by the pretreatment with AF64A, an inhibitor of choline uptake at parasympathetic nerve endings, were examined in rat iris sphincter. In preparations isolated and skinned by beta-escin after the micro injection of AF64A to eyes in vivo, the amplitude of maximum contraction in pCa 4.5 solution was increased by 180% of the control from the contralateral eyes. The Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile system was slightly but significantly increased by AF64A injection; the half maximum contraction was obtained at pCa 5.87 and 6.05 in the control and AF64A-injected eyes, respectively. The increase in maximum contraction in AF64A injected ones was neither affected by the addition of calmodulin, GTPgammaS nor H-7. The increase in Ca2+ sensitivity by AF64A injection was not affected by calmodulin, enhanced by GTPgammaS and abolished by H-7. AF64A injection increased the total protein content only by 30% of the control. The contents of contractile proteins per iris were quantified using Western blotting with monoclonal antibodies. The contents of actin and calponin were increased by AF64A, whereas those of myosin, calmodulin and caldesmon were not affected. The results indicate that AF64A-induced enhancement of the maximum contraction is not mainly due to the increase in the contents of major contractile proteins and that the increase in Ca2+ sensitivity could be due to the mechanism in which changes in protein kinase C and/or GTP binding protein activity are involved.

S-nitrosoglutathione-induced decrease in calcium sensitivity of airway smooth muscle

The purpose of this study was to examine whether the nitric oxide donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) relaxes canine tracheal smooth muscle (CTSM) strips by decreasing Ca(2+) sensitivity [i.e., the amount of force for a given intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i))]. We further investigated whether GSNO decreases Ca(2+) sensitivity by altering the relationship between regulatory myosin light chain (rMLC) phosphorylation and [Ca(2+)](i) and the relationship between force and rMLC phosphorylation. GSNO (100 microM) relaxed intact CTSM strips contracted with 45 mM KCl by decreasing Ca(2+) sensitivity in comparison to control strips without significantly decreasing [Ca(2+)](i). GSNO reduced the amount of rMLC phosphorylation for a given [Ca(2+)](i) but did not affect the relationship between isometric force and rMLC phosphorylation. These results show that in CTSM strips contracted with KCl, GSNO decreases Ca(2+) sensitivity by affecting the level of rMLC phosphorylation for a given [Ca(2+)](i), suggesting that myosin light chain kinase is inhibited or that smooth muscle protein phosphatases are activated by GSNO.

Pharmacomechanical coupling: the role of calcium, G-proteins, kinases and phosphatases

The concept of pharmacomechanical coupling, introduced 30 years ago to account for physiological mechanisms that can regulate contraction of smooth muscle independently of the membrane potential, has since been transformed from a definition into what we now recognize as a complex of well-defined, molecular mechanisms. The release of Ca2+ from the SR by a chemical messenger, InsP3, is well known to be initiated not by depolarization, but by agonist-receptor interaction. Furthermore, this G-protein-coupled phosphatidylinositol cascade, one of many processes covered by the umbrella of pharmacomechanical coupling, is part of complex and general signal transduction mechanisms also operating in many non-muscle cells of diverse organisms. It is also clear that, although the major contractile regulatory mechanism of smooth muscle, phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of MLC20, is [Ca2+]-dependent, the activity of both the kinase and the phosphatase can also be modulated independently of [Ca2+]i. Sensitization to Ca2+ is attributed to inhibition of SMPP-1M, a process most likely dominated by activation of the monomeric GTP-binding protein RhoA that, in turn, activates Rho-kinase that phosphorylates the regulatory subunit of SMPP-1M and inhibits its myosin phosphatase activity. It is likely that the tonic phase of contraction activated by a variety of excitatory agonists is, at least in part, mediated by this Ca(2+)-sensitizing mechanism. Desensitization to Ca2+ can occur either through inhibitory phosphorylation of MLCK by other kinases or autophosphorylation and by activation of SMPP-1M by cyclic nucleotide-activated kinases, probably involving phosphorylation of a phosphatase activator. Based on our current understanding of the complexity of the many cross-talking signal transduction mechanisms that operate in cells, it is likely that, in the future, our current concepts will be refined, additional mechanisms of pharmacomechanical coupling will be recognized, and those contributing to the pathologenesis diseases, such as hypertension and asthma, will be identified.

cGMP modulation of Ca2+ sensitivity in airway smooth muscle

A beta-escin-permeabilized canine tracheal smooth muscle preparation was used to test the hypothesis that cGMP decreases Ca2+ sensitivity in airway smooth muscle primarily by inhibiting the membrane receptor-coupled mechanisms that regulate Ca2+ sensitivity and not by inhibiting Ca2+/calmodulin activation of the contractile proteins. 8-Bromo-cGMP (100 microM) had no effect on the free Ca2+ concentration-response curves generated in the absence of muscarinic receptor stimulation. In the presence of 100 microM ACh plus 10 microM GTP, 8-bromo-cGMP (100 microM) caused a rightward shift of the free Ca2+ concentration-response curve, significantly increasing the EC50 for free Ca2+ from 0.35 +/- 0.03 to 0.75 +/- 0.06 microM; this effect of 8-bromo-cGMP was concentration dependent from 1 to 100 microM. 8-Bromo-cGMP (100 microM) decreased the level of regulatory myosin light chain (rMLC) phosphorylation for a given cytosolic Ca2+ concentration but had no effect on the amount of isometric force produced for a given level of rMLC phosphorylation. These findings suggest that cGMP decreases Ca2+ sensitivity in canine tracheal smooth muscle primarily by inhibiting the membrane receptor-coupled mechanisms that modulate the relationship between cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and rMLC phosphorylation.

From pharmacomechanical coupling to G-proteins and myosin phosphatase

A brief summary of recent studies of pharmacomechanical coupling is presented, with emphasis on the role of GTP-binding proteins and Ca(2+)-independent regulation of contraction (Ca(2+)-sensitization/desensitization) through regulatory myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. Pharmacomechanical regulation of cytosolic [Ca2+] is largely, though not solely, controlled by the phosphatidylinositol cascade and Ca(2+)-pumps of the plasma membrane and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The monomeric GTPase, RhoA, is a major upstream component of Ca(2+)-sensitization. Its crystal structure and apparently obligatory translocation to the plasma membrane for activation of its downstream effectors are described. Inhibition of RhoA activity by a membrane-permeant ADP-ribosylating bacterial exoenzyme, DC3B, causes severe depression of the tonic component of agonist-induced contraction, suggesting that this component is largely due to Ca(2+)-sensitization. A relatively specific inhibitor (Y27632) of Rho-kinase, a downstream effector of Ca(2+)-sensitization (Uehata et al 1997), also inhibits oxytoxin-induced Ca(2+)-sensitization of myometrium. The major mechanism of physiological, G-protein-coupled Ca(2+)-sensitization is through inhibition of smooth muscle myosin phosphatase (SMPP-1M), whereas conventional or novel protein kinase Cs play very little or no role in this process. Mechanisms of Ca(2+)-desensitization include inhibition of myosin light chain kinase and activation of SMPP-1M. Activation of SMPP-1M in phasic smooth muscle can be attributed, at least in part, to the synergistic phosphatase activating activities of a cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinase and its major substrate, telokin.

Involvement of small GTPases in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction

Neurohumoral stimulation of smooth muscle leads to an increased responsiveness of the myofilaments to Ca2+. This review provides a summary of the data that suggest that the signalling from the membrane-bound serpentine receptors to the contractile apparatus leading to the increase in Ca(2+)-sensitivity requires the activation of the Ras-related low molecular mass GTPase Rho. In smooth muscle permeabilized with alpha-toxin or beta-escin, the increase in force elicited by different agonists at fixed [Ca2+] (Ca(2+)-sensitization) can be inhibited by bacterial toxins (EDIN, and exoenzyme C3) which ADP-ribosylate and inactivate Rho proteins. Moreover, the agonist-induced increase in Ca(2+)-sensitivity can be mimicked by constitutively active recombinant Rho proteins. The physiological relevance of this mechanism is suggested by the fact that toxins that are internalized into intact cells (toxin B from C. difficile and a chimeric toxin (DC3B) consisting of C3 and the (non-catalytic) B fragment of diphteria toxin (inhibit the tonic phase of an agonist-induced contraction. Toxin B inhibits contraction without affecting the intracellular Ca(2+)-transient determined with fura-2. However, it inhibits phosphorylation of the regulatory light chains of myosin (MLC). Rho has been suggested to activate a Rho-associated kinase which in turn phosphorylates the myosin binding subunit of the myosin light chain phosphatase. This would lead to an increase in phosphorylation of MLC and hence of force at constant Ca2+. The Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect of agonists is also inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This suggests the possibility that in smooth muscle, like in non-muscle cells, there is a cross-talk between Rho and tyrosine kinases.

Calcium transients and the effect of a photolytically released calcium chelator during electrically induced contractions in rabbit rectococcygeus smooth muscle

Intracellular Ca2+ was determined with the fura-2 technique during electrically induced contractions in the rabbit rectococcygeus smooth muscle at 22 degreesC. The muscles were electrically activated to give short, reproducible contractions. Intracellular [Ca2+] increased during activation; the increase in [Ca2+] preceded force development by approximately 2 s. After cessation of stimulation Ca2+ fell, preceding the fall in force by approximately 4 s. The fluorescence properties of fura-2 were determined with time-resolved spectroscopy using synchrotron light at the MAX-storage ring, Lund, Sweden. The fluorescence decay of free fura-2 was best described by two exponential decays (time constants approximately 0.5 and 1.5 ns) at low Ca2+ (pCa 9). At high Ca2+ (pCa 4.5), fluorescence decay became slower and could be fitted by one exponential decay (1.9 ns). Time-resolved anisotropy of free fura-2 was characteristic of free rotational motion (correlation time 0.3 ns). Motion of fura-2 could be markedly inhibited by high concentrations of creatine kinase. Time-resolved spectroscopy measurements of muscle fibers loaded with fura-2 showed that the fluorescence lifetime of the probe was longer, suggesting an influence of the chemical environment. Anisotropy measurements revealed, however, that the probe was mobile in the cells. The Ca2+-dependence of contraction and relaxation was studied using a photolabile calcium chelator, diazo-2, which could be loaded into the muscle cells in a similar manner as fura-2. Photolysis of diazo-2 leads to an increase in its Ca2+-affinity and a fall in free Ca2+. When muscles that had been loaded with diazo-2 were illuminated with UV light flashes during the rising phase of contraction, the rate of contraction became slower, suggesting a close relation between intracellular Ca2+ and the cross-bridge interaction. In contrast, photolysis during relaxation did not influence the rate of force decay, suggesting that relaxation of these contractions is not determined by the rate of Ca2+ removal or due to an increased Ca2+ sensitivity, but instead is limited by other processes such as deactivation by dephosphorylation or detachment of tension-bearing cross-bridges, possibly regulated by thin filament systems.

Sensitivity of norepinephrine-evoked vasoconstriction to pertussis toxin in the old rat

In male Wistar rats, the in vitro vasoconstrictor response of the perfused tail artery elicited by norepinephrine or serotonin decreased with age (24 mo old vs. 3 mo old), whereas the fluorescent signal (fura 2) produced by intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) mobilization increased. Both vasoconstriction and the increase in intracellular calcium concentration elicited by a high-K+, depolarizing solution were unaffected by aging. Pertussis toxin, a G protein inhibitor, had no effect on vasoconstriction induced by high K+ but diminished vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine in 3- and 12-mo-old animals but not in 24-mo-old animals. Pertussis toxin had no effect on Ca2+i mobilization. The sensitivity of receptor activation to pertussis toxin in tail arteries from 24-mo-old animals was restored by pretreatment with the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist nicergoline. Nicergoline had no effect on vasoconstriction induced by high K+. Plasma norepinephrine concentration rose with age; nicergoline had no effect on this rise. We suggest that aging leads to a decrease in the intracellular G protein-modulated amplification of vasoconstriction produced by receptor activation and that this could be linked to the hyperadrenergic state. Ca2+ sensitivity can be restored by chronic treatment with an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist.

Myosin light chain phosphatase: subunit composition, interactions and regulation

This review has presented some of the recent data on myosin phosphatase from smooth muscle. Although it is not conclusive, it is likely that most of the myosin phosphatase activity is represented by a holoenzyme composed of three subunits. These are: a catalytic subunit of 38 kDa of the type 1 phosphatase, probably the delta isoform (i.e. PP1c delta); a subunit of about 20 kDa whose function is not established; and a larger subunit that is thought to act as a target subunit. This is termed the myosin phosphatase target subunit, MYPT. Various isoforms of MYPT exist and the relatively minor distinctions are in the C-terminal leucine zipper motifs and/or with inserts in the central region. Many regions of the molecule are highly conserved, including the ankyrin repeats in the N-terminal part of the molecule and the sequence around the phosphorylation site. In addition, these isoforms all contain the four residue PP1c-binding motif (Arg/Lys-Val/Ile-Xaa-Phe). MYPT has been detected in a variety of cells and thus is not unique to smooth muscle. With phosphorylated myosin as substrate, the phosphatase activity of PP1c is low and is enhanced on addition of MYPT. It is assumed that MYPT functions as a target subunit and binds to both PP1c and substrate. The N-terminal fragment of MYPT is responsible for the activation of PP1c activity, but how much of the N-terminal sequence is required is not established. An important point is that activation is not a general effect and is specific for myosin. It is not known if other substrates may be targeted to MYPT. There are two binding sites for PP1c on MYPT: a strong site in the N-terminal segment (containing the 4-residue motif) and a weaker site in the ankyrin repeats, possibly in repeats 5, 6 and 7. The location(s) of the myosin-binding sites on MYPT is controversial, and binding of myosin, or light chain, to both N- and C-terminal fragments has been reported. Regulation of myosin phosphatase activity involves changes in subunit interactions, although molecular mechanisms are not defined. There are basically two theories proposed for phosphatase inhibition (i.e. as seen in the agonist-induced increase in Ca2+ sensitivity). One hypothesis is that phosphorylation of Myosin light chain phosphatase MYPT (at residue 654 or 695 of the gizzard MYPT isoforms or an equivalent residue) inhibits the activity of the MP holoenzyme. The kinase involved is not established, but may be an unidentified endogenous kinase or a RhoA-activated kinase. The latter is an attractive possibility because there is convincing evidence that RhoA plays a crucial role in the Ca(2+)-sensitizing process in smooth muscle. A second idea involves arachidonic acid. This is released via phospholipase A2 and could either interact directly with MYPT and cause dissociation of the holoenzyme (thus effectively reducing the phosphatase activity to that of the isolated catalytic subunit), or it could activate a kinase that would phosphorylate MYPT and inhibit the phosphatase. It is possible that MP activity may also be activated, for example, following increases in cAMP and/or cGMP. Evidence in support of this is very limited and under in vivo conditions the phosphorylation of MYPT by the respective kinases has not been demonstrated. There is, however, a tentative hypothesis based on in vitro data that phosphorylation of MYPT by PKA alters its cellular localization. This involves a shuttle between the dephosphorylated membrane-bound and inhibited state (at least towards P-myosin) to a phosphorylated cytosolic or cytoskeletal, and active state. The pathway(s) discussed above originates at the cell membrane and is carried via one or more messengers to the level of the contractile apparatus where it is manifested by regulation of phosphatase activity. Various components of the route have been identified, including RhoA and the atypical PKC isoforms, but more remain to be discovered. It is possible that more than one pathway, or cascade, is

Adaptation of pharmacomechanical coupling of vascular smooth muscle to chronic hypoxia

Hypoxia is one of the most common stresses that affect an organism's homeostasis. Although much is known of the mechanisms of the cellular and biochemical responses to acute hypoxia, relatively little is known of the mechanisms of the responses to prolonged or chronic hypoxia. Chronic hypoxia suppresses vascular smooth muscle contractility in many vascular beds. While the endothelium is likely to play a role, part of the mechanisms underlying chronic hypoxic-induced changes in vascular responses resides in the changes in receptor-mediated excitation-contraction coupling and/or signal transduction in the vascular smooth muscle. Recent studies have demonstrated that chronic hypoxia attenuates both receptor-second messenger and second messenger-contraction coupling efficiencies in the vascular smooth muscle. This suppression of pharmacomechanical coupling is likely to represent one of the adaptive mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle and to play an important role in an adjustment of vascular tone and blood flow under the stress of moderate chronic hypoxia.

Farnesol inhibits L-type Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells

Earlier experiments with animal and human arteries have shown that farnesol, a natural 15-carbon (C15) isoprenoid, is an inhibitor of vasoconstriction (Roullet, J.-B., Xue, H., Chapman, J., McDougal, P., Roullet, C. M., and McCarron, D. A. (1996) J. Clin. Invest. 97, 2384-2390). We report here that farnesol reduced KCl- and norepinephrine-dependent cytosolic Ca2+ transients in fura-2-loaded intact arteries. An effect on Ca2+ signaling was also observed in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (A10 cells). In these cells, farnesol reduced KCl-induced [Ca2+]i transients and mimicked the inhibitory effect of Ca2+-free medium on the [Ca2+]i response to both 12,13-phorbol myristate acetate, a protein kinase C activator, and thapsigargin, a specific endoplasmic reticulum ATPase inhibitor. Perforated patch-clamp experiments further showed in two vascular smooth muscle cell lines (A10 and A7r5), a reversible, dose-dependent inhibitory effect of farnesol on L-type Ca2+ currents (IC50 = 2.2 microM). Shorter (C10, geraniol) and longer (C20, geranylgeraniol) isoprenols were inactive. L-type Ca2+ channel blockade also occurred under tight (gigaohm) seal configuration using cell-attached, single-channel analysis, thus suggesting a possible action of farnesol from within the intracellular space. We finally demonstrated that farnesol did not affect Ca2+-sensitive pathways implicated in smooth muscle contraction, as tested with alpha-toxin permeabilized arteries. Altogether, our results indicate that farnesol is an inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle Ca2+ signaling with plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker properties. The data have implications for the endogenous and pharmacological regulation of vascular tone by farnesol or farnesol analogues.

ARF-independent inhibition of the carbachol-induced contractions by brefeldin A in intestinal smooth muscle

The aim of this study was to determine whether an ADP ribosylation factor (ARF)-regulated pathway is involved in the carbachol-induced contraction in rat intestinal smooth muscle. Brefeldin A, a known inhibitor of the guanine nucleotide exchange activity on ARF, reversibly inhibited the carbachol-induced contraction in intact ileal muscle strips, whereas the carbachol- and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced increases in the Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilaments in beta-escin-permeabilized strips were not affected. The high-K(+)-induced contraction in intact strips was also inhibited by brefeldin A. In isolated ileal myocytes, brefeldin A inhibited the Ca2+ channel current, indicating that the inhibitory effect of brefeldin A in intact cells is related to an inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, the loading of permeabilized strips with the combination of the recombinant fully myristoylated ARF1, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARNO, and guanosine 5'-triphosphate did not change the tone at constant pCa (6.45) and did not modify the carbachol- and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced Ca2+ sensitization. Taken together, these findings suggest that an ARF-dependent pathway is not involved in the carbachol-induced contraction.

Possible mechanisms underlying the midazolam-induced relaxation of the noradrenaline-contraction in rabbit mesenteric resistance artery

1. The mechanisms underlying the midazolam-induced relaxation of the noradrenaline (NA)-contraction were studied by measuring membrane potential, isometric force and intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in endothelium-denuded muscle strips from the rabbit mesenteric resistance artery. The actions of midazolam were compared with those of nicardipine, an L-type Ca2+-channel blocker. 2. Midazolam (30 and 100 microM) did not modify either the resting membrane potential or the membrane depolarization induced by 10 microM NA. 3. NA (10 microM) produced a phasic, followed by a tonic increase in both [Ca2+]i and force. Midazolam (10-100 microM) did not modify the resting [Ca2+]i, but attenuated the NA-induced phasic and tonic increases in [Ca2+]i and force, in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, nicardipine (0.3 microM) attenuated the NA-induced tonic, but not phasic, increases in [Ca2+]i and force. 4. In Ca2+-free solution containing 2 mM EGTA, NA (10 microM) transiently increased [Ca2+]i and force. Midazolam (10-100 microM), but not nicardipine (0.3 microM), attenuated this NA-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and force, in a concentration-dependent manner. However, midazolam (10 and 30 microM), had no effect on the increases in [Ca2+]i and force induced by 10 mM caffeine. 5. In ryanodine-treated strips, which have functionally lost the NA-sensitive Ca2+ storage sites, NA slowly increased [Ca2+]i and force. Nicardipine (0.3 microM) did not modify the resting [Ca2+]i but partly attenuated the NA-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and force. In the presence of nicardipine, midazolam (100 microM) lowered the resting [Ca2+]i and further attenuated the remaining NA-induced increases in [Ca2+]i and force. 6. The [Ca2+]i-force relationship was obtained in ryanodine-treated strips by the application of ascending concentrations of Ca2+ (0.16-2.6 mM) in Ca2+-free solution containing 100 mM K+. NA (10 microM) shifted the [Ca2+]i-force relationship to the left and enhanced the maximum Ca2+-induced force. Under these conditions, whether in the presence or absence of 10 microM NA, midazolam (10 and 30 microM) attenuated the increases in [Ca2+]i and force induced by Ca2+ without changing the [Ca2+]i-force relationship. 7. It was concluded that, in smooth muscle of the rabbit mesenteric resistance artery, midazolam inhibits the NA-induced contraction through its inhibitory action on NA-induced Ca2+ mobilization. Midazolam attenuates NA-induced Ca2+ influx via its inhibition of both nicardipine-sensitive and -insensitive pathways. Furthermore, midazolam attenuates the NA-induced release of Ca2+ from the storage sites. This effect contributes to the midazolam-induced inhibition of the NA-induced phasic contraction.

Different regulation of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in beta-escin-skinned cardiac and vascular smooth muscles

We compared the effects of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS, an activator of G-protein), phorbol 12,13-dibutylate (PDB, an activator of protein kinase C) and pimobendan (an inotropic agent with Ca2+-sensitizing action) on the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins in beta-escin-skinned muscle preparations obtained from rabbit left ventricles and mesenteric arteries. After the skinning procedure, when GTPgammaS (100 microM) or PDB (1 microM) was added to the Ca2+ solutions, pCa50 were significantly increased in preparations obtained from vascular smooth muscle, but not from cardiac muscle, indicating that G-protein- and protein kinase C-mediated direct Ca2+ sensitization may occur only in smooth muscle, but not in cardiac muscle. In contrast, pimobendan (50 microM) increased the Ca2+ responsiveness only in cardiac muscle. Therefore, we conclude that, in addition to the common regulatory factors affecting Ca2+ sensitivity such as intracellular pH and phosphorylation by protein kinase A, there are other means of regulation of Ca2+ sensitivity working differently in cardiac and in vascular smooth muscles.

Caenorhabditis elegans LET-502 is related to Rho-binding kinases and human myotonic dystrophy kinase and interacts genetically with a homolog of the regulatory subunit of smooth muscle myosin phosphatase to affect cell shape

We have identified two genes associated with the hypodermal cell shape changes that occur during elongation of the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo. The first gene, called let-502, encodes a protein with high similarity to Rho-binding Ser/Thr kinases and to human myotonic dystrophy kinase (DM-kinase). Strong mutations in let-502 block embryonic elongation, and let-502 reporter constructs are expressed in hypodermal cells at the elongation stage of development. The second gene, mel-11, was identified by mutations that act as extragenic suppressors of let-502. mel-11 encodes a protein similar to the 110- to 133-kD regulatory subunits of vertebrate smooth muscle myosin-associated phosphatase (PP-1M). We suggest that the LET-502 kinase and the MEL-11 phosphatase subunit act in a pathway linking a signal generated by the small GTP-binding protein Rho to a myosin-based hypodermal contractile system that drives embryonic elongation. LET-502 may directly regulate the activity of the MEL-11 containing phosphatase complex and the similarity between LET-502 and DM-kinase suggests a similar function for DM-kinase.

Role of Rho proteins in carbachol-induced contractions in intact and permeabilized guinea-pig intestinal smooth muscle

1. The aim of this study was to determine whether the low molecular mass GTPase RhoA or related proteins are involved in carbachol- and high-K(+)-induced contractions in intact intestinal smooth muscle as well as the carbachol-induced increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of the myofilaments in permeabilized preparations. 2. The carbachol-induced increase in the Ca2+ sensitivity of force production in beta-escin-permeabilized intestinal smooth muscle was enhanced in preparations that were loaded with the constitutively active mutant of RhoA, Val14RhoA, and was inhibited by exoenzyme C3 from Clostridium botulinum, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates small GTPases of the Rho family. The effect of C3 on Ca2+ sensitivity in the absence of the agonist was negligible, while the maximal Ca(2+)-activated force was inhibited by about 20%. 3. Inhibition of carbachol-induced force was associated with an increase in ADP-ribosylation of a protein band with a molecular mass of approximately 22 kDa, corresponding to Rho, and was partially reversed in the presence of Ile41RhoA, which is not a substrate for C3. Val14RhoA did not restore carbachol-induced Ca2+ sensitization in C3-treated smooth muscle. 4. In intact intestinal smooth muscle, toxin B from Clostridium difficile, which monoglucosylates members of the Rho family, inhibited high-K(+)-induced contractions and the initial phasic response to carbachol by about 30%. The delayed contractile response to carbachol was completely inhibited. 5. In smooth muscle preparations that were permeabilized with beta-escin after treatment with toxin B, carbachol-and GTP gamma S-induced Ca2+ sensitization was significantly inhibited. 6. These findings are consistent with a role for Rho or Rho-like proteins in agonist-induced increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of force production in intact and permeabilized intestinal smooth muscle.

Agonists increase the sensitivity of contractile elements for Ca++ in pregnant rat myometrium

OBJECTIVE

The effects of agonists and guanosine 5'-triphosphate binding proteins (G proteins) on contractile properties were investigated in rat longitudinal myometrial tissues in late gestation and during delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

The effect of carbachol was examined on the intracellular Ca++ concentration in intact thin muscle strips from pregnant rat myometrium. In addition, the action of carbachol with guanosine 5'-triphosphate was examined on the Ca(++)-induced contractions in beta-escin-treated skinned strips (membrane-permeable conditions and chemical clamping of intracellular Ca++ concentrations). The effects of guanosine 5'-0-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (a nonhydrolyzable analog of guanosine 5'-triphosphate), prostaglandin F2 alpha with guanosine 5'-triphosphate, prostaglandin E2 with guanosine 5'-triphosphate, and okadaic acid (a phosphatase inhibitor) were also examined in skinned strips.

RESULTS

In intact longitudinal rat myometrium at late gestation the maximum contractions induced by carbachol were larger than the maximum contractions induced by high K+ (118 mmol/L), whereas increases in intracellular Ca++ concentration produced by both agents were similar. In beta-escin-treated skinned myometrial strips from late gestation, 0.3 mumol/L Ca++ evoked contractions. Carbachol (10 mumol/L) plus guanosine 5'-triphosphate (10 mumol/L) enhanced the 0.3 mumol/L Ca(++)-induced contractions of skinned strips; the increase was antagonized by 1 mmol/L guanosine 5'-0-(beta-thiodiphosphate). Guanosine 5'-0-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (0.1 to 100 mumol/L), prostaglandin F2 alpha (10 mumol/L) plus guanosine 5'-triphosphate (10 mumol/L), prostaglandin E2 (10 mumol/L) plus guanosine 5'-triphosphate (10 mumol/L), and okadaic acid (1 nmol/L) also augmented 0.3 mumol/L Ca++ contractions in skinned strips. The increases of 0.3 mumol/L Ca(++)-induced contractility by the agonists with guanosine 5'-triphosphate or guanosine 5'-0-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) were similar between late gestation and delivery.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that agonists such as carbachol, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and prostaglandin E2 enhance the Ca(++)-induced contraction of myometrium at late gestation through G protein-mediated mechanisms. The agonist/G protein-mediated Ca(++)-sensitizing effects on contractile elements produce additional contractile force with the same amount of intracellular calcium, thus providing expelling forces for delivery of the fetuses.

Phosphorylation of the large subunit of myosin phosphatase and inhibition of phosphatase activity

The partially purified myosin-bound phosphatase had an associated protein kinase that phosphorylated the holoenzyme, primarily on the large (130-kDa) subunit. Phosphorylation of the 130-kDa subunit resulted in inhibition of phosphatase activity. The major site of phosphorylation was threonine 654 of the 130-kDa subunit or threonine 695 of the 133-kDa isoform. Phosphorylation of the large subunit did not dissociate the holoenzyme. Dephosphorylation of the large subunit was achieved by the holoenzyme, and addition of the catalytic subunit of the type 2A enzyme did not increase the rate of dephosphorylation. The associated kinase was inhibited by chelerythrine, with half-maximal inhibition at approximately 5 microM (in 150 microM ATP). The associated kinase phosphorylated two synthetic peptides, one corresponding to the sequence flanking the phosphorylated threonine, i.e. 648-661 of the 130-kDa subunit, and the other to a known protein kinase C substrate, i.e. a modified sequence from the autoinhibitory region of epsilon protein kinase C. The associated kinase was activated by arachidonic and oleic acid and to a lesser extent by myristic acid. The protein kinase that phosphorylated the 130-kDa subunit and resulted in inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity was not identified.

Role of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins--ras-family or trimeric proteins or both--in Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle

The purpose of this study was to identify guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) involved in the agonist- and guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[gamma-S])-induced increase in the Ca2+ sensitivity of 20-kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation and contraction in smooth muscle. A constitutively active, recombinant val14p21rhoA.GTP expressed in the baculovirus/Sf9 system, but not the protein expressed without posttranslational modification in Escherichia coli, induced at constant Ca2+ (pCa 6.4) a slow contraction associated with increased MLC20 phosphorylation from 19.8% to 29.5% (P < 0.05) in smooth muscle permeabilized with beta-esein. The effect of val14p21rhoA.GTP was inhibited by ADP-ribosylation of the protein and was absent in smooth muscle extensively permeabilized with Triton X-100. ADP-ribosylation of endogenous p21rho with epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor (EDIN) inhibited Ca2+ sensitization induced by GTP [in rabbit mesenteric artery (RMA) and rabbit ileum smooth muscles], by carbachol (in rabbit ileum), and by endothelin (in RMA), but not by phenylephrine (in RMA), and only slowed the rate without reducing the amplitude of contractions induced in RMA by 1 microM GTP[gamma-S] at constant Ca2+ concentrations. AlF(4-)-induced Ca2+ sensitization was inhibited by both guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[beta-S]) and by EDIN. EDIN also inhibited, to a lesser extent, contractions induced by Ca2+ alone (pCa 6.4) in both RMA and rabbit ileum. ADP-ribosylation of trimeric G proteins with pertussis toxin did not inhibit Ca2+ sensitization. We conclude that p21rho may play a role in physiological Ca2+ sensitization as a cofactor with other messengers, rather than as a sole direct inhibitor of smooth muscle MLC20 phosphatase.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of a recombinant 72.5 kDa fragment of the 110 kDa regulatory subunit of smooth muscle protein phosphatase 1M

We have cloned a partial rat kidney cDNA that encodes a 72.5 kDa N terminal fragment of a third isoform of the M110 subunit of phosphatase 1. This new isoform contains an insert in the 542-597 position not present in the M110 previously cloned (Chen et al. (1994) FEBS Lett. 356, 51-55) from the same species. The encoded cDNA was expressed as a soluble GST-fusion protein in E. coli, and its ability to interact with native PP-1C was measured both in vitro and in permeabilized smooth muscle. In vitro, the fusion protein was capable of selectively binding PP-1C and increasing the substrate specificity of the phosphatase towards myosin 13.2 +/- 3.5-fold (S.E. of the mean, n = 3). In permeabilized smooth muscle pretreated with microcystin, the recombinant protein alone (1.0 microM) did not cause relaxation, but did significantly enhance the ability of PP-1C (0.3 microM) to relax the muscle. These findings show that the N terminal domain of the M110 subunit is the primary site for both PP-1C and myosin binding, and thereby determines myosin specificity. The presence of isoformic variation within this sequence may permit organ/cell specific regulation of phosphorylation sites.

Thiophosphorylation of the 130-kDa subunit is associated with a decreased activity of myosin light chain phosphatase in alpha-toxin-permeabilized smooth muscle

Pretreatment of alpha-toxin-permeabilized smooth muscle with ATP gamma S (adenosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)) under conditions resulting in minimal (< 1%) thiophosphorylation of the myosin light chain increases the subsequent calcium sensitivity of force output and myosin light chain phosphorylation. The change in calcium sensitivity results at least in part from a 5-fold decrease in myosin light chain phosphatase activity. One of the few proteins thiophosphorylated under these conditions is the 130-kDa subunit of myosin light chain phosphatase. These results suggest that thiophosphorylation of this subunit leads to a decrease in the activity of the phosphatase, and that phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the subunit may play a role in regulating myosin light chain phosphatase activity.

Receptor activation induces short-term modulation of arterial contractions: memory in vascular smooth muscle

This study examined the hypothesis that arteries retain a memory of receptor activation, resulting in temporary modulation of stimulus-contraction coupling. When pretreated for 30 min with 10(-5) M phenylephrine (PE), histamine, or prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and then relaxed fully for 10 min, steady-state increases in stress (S/So) and myosin light-chain phosphorylation (MLC20P/MLC20) produced by KCl in femoral arteries were weaker (0.33-0.57 S/So and 0.29-0.30 MLC20P/MLC20) than control responses (approximately 0.91 S/So and approximately 0.41 MLC20P/MLC20). The inhibitory effect lasted for at least 2 h and was not as strong in tissues pretreated for a 10-fold shorter duration or a 10-fold lower concentration of PE. When pretreated with low concentrations of PE (10(-7) M) and PGF2 alpha (10(-6) M), the early portion of subsequent KCl-induced contractile responses reached levels higher than control responses (0.79-0.86 S/So compared with approximately 0.70 S/So). These data support the hypothesis that receptor activation of arteries not only caused contractions but also stimulated another system, a response modulator that appeared to serve as memory of receptor activation.

Relaxant effects of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP on pregnant rat uterine longitudinal smooth muscle

The purpose of our study was to examine the relaxant effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and cyclic guanosine 3'-5'-monophosphate (cGMP) on pregnant rat myometrium. Using very thin muscle strips, which allows diffusional access of applied drugs (in a few seconds), contractile properties were examined. This technique facilitates study of SNP's effects on uterine contractility as nitric oxide is rapidly inactivated to NO2. SNP did not decrease the amplitudes of 45 mmol/l KCl contractions but decreased spontaneous contractions and 1 mumol/l carbachol contractions. The relaxation of carbachol contractions by SNP were antagonized by methylene blue. In addition, 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (8-bromo-cGMP) also inhibited KCl-, carbachol- and oxytocin-induced contractions, however, the relaxant effect of 8-bromo-cGMP was much greater on carbachol and oxytocin contractions than on KCl contractions. Cyclic GMP (1 microM) decreased contractions evoked by various concentrations of Ca2+ and carbachol with 1 mumol/l GTP-gamma S in skinned (membrane-permeable) strips. These results demonstrate that SNP stimulates guanylate cyclase to produce cGMP and that the relaxant effect of cGMP was predominant on pharmaco-mechanical coupling. The cyclic-GMP system may help in maintaining pregnancy and preventing uterine contractions during exposure to stimulating agonists.

Gestational changes in oxytocin- and endothelin-1-induced contractility of pregnant rat myometrium

The mechanical effects of KCl, oxytocin and endothelin-1 on pregnant rat myometrium were examined using intact strips and beta-escin-treated skinned strips. Myometrial tissues from delivering rats were more sensitive to 10.7 mM K+ compared to mid and late gestation. Maximum contractions induced by K+ were obtained at concentrations of 118 mM at mid and late gestation and during delivery. The maximum amplitude of contractions induced by oxytocin and endothelin-1 compared to the 118 mM K(+)-induced contraction increased during the progress of gestation. Maximum contractions induced by oxytocin and endothelin-1 were greater than those induced by 118 mM K+ at delivery, and maximum contractions by oxytocin were larger than those by endothelin-1 during delivery. In 10 microM nifedipine and Ca(2+)-free (containing 2 mM EGTA) solutions, 118 mM K+ contractions were completely abolished; however, both oxytocin and endothelin-1 produced contractions. In Ca(2+)-free solutions, contractions by oxytocin were larger than those by endothelin-1. In skinned myometrial strips, guanosine 5'-O-thiotriphosphate (GTP, 1 microM-1 mM), guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S, 0.1-100 microM) and oxytocin (1 nM-0.1 microM) with 10 microM GTP, but not endothelin-1 with 10 microM GTP increased Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile force.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Augmented receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization causes supersensitivity of contractile response to serotonin in atherosclerotic arteries

We have previously reported that atherosclerotic arteries obtained from Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits exhibit a marked increase of contractile response to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) and ergonovine and that these augmented contractile responses to specific agonists may play an important role in the pathogenesis of vasospasm. In the present study, we investigated whether supersensitivity to 5-HT in atherlosclerotic arteries was due to an increase in 5-HT receptor-mediated Ca2+ mobilization or to an increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements. We measured simultaneously both isometric tension and [Ca2+]i in fura 2-loaded aortic smooth muscle strips from control and WHHL rabbits. Muscle tension in the high K+ (72.7 mmol/L)-stimulated states and [Ca2+]i in both resting and high K(+)-stimulated states did not differ between control and WHHL rabbits. In atherosclerotic aortas from WHHL rabbits, the dose-response curves of both tension and [Ca2+]i for 5-HT were shifted to the left at lower threshold concentrations and one-half maximally effective dose. The maximum response of contraction produced by 5-HT in WHHL rabbits was augmented compared with that in control rabbits (123 +/- 17% versus 33 +/- 7% of the 72.7 mmol/L K(+)-induced contraction, P < .001). The maximum response of [Ca2+]i produced by 5-HT was also augmented in WHHL rabbits compared with control rabbits (29 +/- 4% versus 10 +/- 0.9% of the 72.7 mmol/L K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i, P < .001). In contrast, the responses of contraction and [Ca2+]i to phenylephrine were similar between control and WHHL rabbits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes mediating the regulation and modulation of Ca2+ sensitization in rabbit thoracic aorta

Norepinephrine (10 microM), methoxamine (100 microM) and clonidine (100 microM) with guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP, 50 microM) or guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma-S, 10 microM) all significantly enhanced the contraction induced by 0.3 microM Ca2+ (pCa6.5) in beta-escin-skinned smooth muscle of rabbit thoracic aorta. The enhancement of Ca2+ contraction produced by norepinephrine was greater than that produced by methoxamine or clonidine. In beta-escin-skinned strips of chloroethylclonidine-pretreated smooth muscle, the enhancement of Ca2+ contraction produced by norepinephrine was significantly decreased, whereas the amplitude was the same as that produced by methoxamine or clonidine; this enhancement was inhibited by the selective alpha 1A-adrenoceptor antagonist WB 4101 (100 nM). The enhancement of Ca2+ contraction produced by methoxamine and clonidine was not affected by chloroethylclonidine pretreatment. The effects of methoxamine, clonidine and norepinephrine in the chloroethylclonidine-pretreated tissue were all inhibited by guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta-S, 1 mM) and 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-methylpiperazine (H-7, 20 microM). Furthermore, the phosphorylation of myosin light chain produced by norepinephrine was greater than that produced by clonidine. These results suggest that both alpha 1-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha 1A and alpha 1B) increase the Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements, and that the Ca2+ sensitization produced by alpha 1A-subtype receptors is mediated through G-protein and protein kinase C, and plays an important role in contraction of smooth muscle of rabbit thoracic aorta.

Signal transduction and regulation in smooth muscle

Smooth muscle cells in the walls of many organs are vital for most bodily functions, and their abnormalities contribute to a range of diseases. Although based on a sliding-filament mechanism similar to that of striated muscles, contraction of smooth muscle is regulated by pharmacomechanical as well as by electromechanical coupling mechanisms. Recent studies have revealed previously unrecognized contractile regulatory processes, such as G-protein-coupled inhibition of myosin light-chain phosphatase, regulation of myosin light-chain kinase by other kinases, and the functional effects of smooth muscle myosin isoforms. Abnormalities of these regulatory mechanisms and isoform variations may contribute to diseases of smooth muscle, and the G-protein-coupled inhibition of protein phosphatase is also likely to be important in regulating non-muscle cell functions mediated by cytoplasmic myosin II.

Augmented agonist-induced Ca(2+)-sensitization of coronary artery contraction in genetically hypertensive rats. Evidence for altered signal transduction in the coronary smooth muscle cells

The Ca2+ responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle myofilaments is not unique: it is increased during neuro-humoral activation and decreased during beta-adrenergic stimulation. In this study we tested whether an augmented Ca2+ responsiveness of smooth muscle myofilaments may contribute to the increased coronary tone observed in hypertension using beta-escin-permeabilized coronary arteries from 3-mo-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and their age matched normotensive reference strain (WKY rats). In intact coronary arteries, the response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) but not to KCl was larger in SHRSP than in WKY rats. In beta-escin permeabilized coronary arteries in which the receptor effector coupling is still intact, 5-HT enhanced force at constant submaximal (Ca2+) (pCa 6.38) to a greater extent in SHRSP. The Ca2+ sensitizing effect of 5-HT was mimicked by GTP gamma S (0.01-10 microM); again this effect was larger in SHRSP. In the absence of 5-HT or GTP gamma S the Ca2+ force relation was similar in both groups. Forskolin induced relaxation at constant submaximal (Ca2+). This desensitizing effect was smaller in SHRSP than in WKY rats. In conclusion, this study shows that intracellular signalling pathways involved in modulating the Ca2+ responsiveness of coronary smooth muscle myofilaments are altered in the genetically hypertensive animals favoring a hypercontractile state in the coronary circulation.

Calcium and smooth muscle contraction

The fact that smooth muscle exists in almost every hollow organ and is involved in a large number of disease states has led to a vast increase in smooth muscle research, covering areas from testing response to antagonists and agonists to measuring the molecular force generated by a single actin filament. Yet, the exact mechanisms regulating contractile response of smooth muscle remain unsolved. Calcium has been a central player in mediating smooth muscle contraction through binding with calmodulin, although there is evidence showing that under special circumstances smooth muscle can contract without change in intracellular Ca2+. In addition to the major regulatory pathway of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-myosin light chain kinase, there are other thin filament linked regulatory mechanisms in which Ca(2+)-calmodulin dependent phosphorylation of calponin and caldesmon may be involved. Ca2+ sensitivity of smooth muscle contraction may vary under different situations and this has recently been recognized as an important regulatory mechanism. Examples are protein kinase C (PKC) dependent phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase which results in partial inhibition of contraction, and activation of myosin light chain phosphatase. There is new evidence showing that not only does Ca2+ regulate contraction by regulating the interaction of contractile proteins in smooth muscle, but also that shortening of smooth muscle itself reduces intracellular Ca2+ concentration, via a negative feedback.

Effect of a peptide inhibitor of protein kinase C on G-protein-mediated increase in myofilament Ca(2+)-sensitivity in rabbit arterial skinned muscle

1. To investigate the role of protein kinase C in the increase mediated by guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins (G-proteins) in the sensitivity of the contractile proteins to Ca2+ in vascular smooth muscle, the effect of a novel peptide inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC19-36) on Ca(2+)-induced contraction and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation was studied in the presence and absence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) in beta-escin-skinned smooth muscle strips of rabbit mesenteric artery. For comparison, the effects were also observed of PKC19-36 on the action of phorbol 12,13-dibutylate (PDBu, an activator of PKC) on the two Ca(2+)-induced responses. 2. In beta-escin-skinned strips treated with ionomycin, Ca2+ (0.1-3 microM) concentration-dependently produced contraction in parallel with an increase in MLC-phosphorylation. GTP gamma S (10 microM) and PDBu (0.1 microM) each shifted both the Ca(2+)-force and Ca(2+)-MLC-phosphorylation relationships to the left without a significant change in either maximum response. The relationship between force and MLC-phosphorylation was not modified by either GTP gamma S or PDBu, indicating that the sensitivity of MLC-phosphorylation to Ca2+ is enhanced by both GTP gamma S and PDBu. 3. PKC19-36 itself modified neither the contraction nor MLC-phosphorylation induced by Ca2+ but it did block the PDBu-induced enhancement of these two Ca(2+)-induced responses. By contrast, PKC19-36 did not modify the GTP gamma S-induced enhancement of the two Ca(2+)-induced responses. Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDP Beta S) attenuated the GTP gamma S-induced enhancement of the Ca2+-induced contraction.4. These results suggest that GTP gamma S increases Ca2+-induced MLC-phosphorylation through the activation of a PKC-independent mechanism and thus causes an increase in the sensitivity of the contractile proteins to Ca2+ in Beta-escin-skinned smooth muscle of rabbit mesenteric artery.

Effects of calyculin A on tension and myosin phosphorylation in skinned smooth muscle of the rabbit mesenteric artery

1. Using beta-escin and ionomycin-treated skinned smooth muscle strips of the rabbit mesenteric artery, the effects of calyculin A (CL-A, an inhibitor of type 1 and 2A phosphatases) on mechanical activities, phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) and the relationship between the two were studied in Ca(2+)-free solution containing 4 mM EGTA and these effects were compared with those evoked by Ca2+. 2. The threshold concentration of Ca2+ required to increase either tension or MLC-phosphorylation was 0.1 microM and maximum effects were obtained at 10 microM. MLC was mainly monophosphorylated, rather than diphosphorylated, in the presence of Ca2+. ED50 value for Ca2+ was 0.54 microM for either tension or MLC-phosphorylation. The relationship between tension and MLC-phosphorylation is linear in the pCa range 7-5.5. 3. In Ca(2+)-free solution (containing either 20 mM EGTA or 4 mM EGTA with or without 4 mM BAPTA), 3 microM CL-A produced a contraction, the maximum amplitude of which was similar to that evoked by 10 microM Ca2+. CL-A (0.03-3 microM) concentration-dependently increased both tension and MLC-phosphorylation in Ca(2+)-free solution containing 4 mM EGTA. The threshold concentration of CL-A required for the increase in either tension or MLC-phosphorylation was 0.03 microM and maximum effects were obtained at 3 microM. In the presence of CL-A, MLC was not only monophosphorylated but also diphosphorylated. ED50 values for CL-A were 0.39 microM for tension, 0.44 microM for the monophosphorylated form of MLC and 0.54 microM for all phosphorylated (mono + di) forms. The relationship between tension and the monophosphorylated form of MLC was linear over the concentration range studied and was similar to that for Ca2+. 4. H-7 (3 microM, an inhibitor of protein kinase C) inhibited neither the tension nor phosphorylation of MLC induced by 10 microM Ca2+ or 3 microM CL-A. At a high concentration (30 microM), H-7 slightly inhibited both the tension and phosphorylation of MLC induced by either stimulant without a change in the tension-MLC-phosphorylation relationship. KN-62, an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, did not modify either the tension or the phosphorylation of MLC induced by 10 microM Ca2+ or 3 microM CL-A. CK-II, another inhibitor of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, did not inhibit the contraction induced by 3 microM CL-A. 5. SM-1 (0.03-0.3 mM) and ML-9 (0.1 and 0.3 mM), inhibitors of MLC-kinase, each lowered the resting level of MLC-phosphorylation in Ca2+-free solution and also inhibited both the tension and MLC-phosphorylation induced by 10 microM Ca2+ or 3 microM CL-A, in a concentration-dependent manner.Neither SM-1 nor ML-9 modified the relationship between tension and either monophosphorylated or all phosphorylated (mono + di) forms of MLC in the presence of Ca2+ or CL-A.6. In a solution containing MgITP (the substrate for myosin ATPase but not for MLC-kinase) with no MgATP, 10 microM Ca2+ failed to produce contraction. Under these conditions, the amplitude of the contraction induced by 3 microM CL-A was greatly diminished in comparison with that induced in the presence of MgATP.7. The present results suggest that in smooth muscle cells of the rabbit mesenteric artery, CL-A in Ca2+-free solution, produces a maximum contraction through an indirect activation of Ca2+-calmodulin independent(constitutively active) MLC-kinase via its inhibitory action on MLC-phosphatases. Based on this evidence, it is hypothesized that, in these cells, a constitutively active MLC-kinase may be present, though its action may be concealed by that of endogenous MLC-phosphatase.