Ca2+ signaling in mouse mesenteric small arteries: myogenic tone and adrenergic vasoconstriction

Calcium-Dependent Ion Channels and the Regulation of Arteriolar Myogenic Tone

Arterioles in the peripheral microcirculation regulate blood flow to and within tissues and organs, control capillary blood pressure and microvascular fluid exchange, govern peripheral vascular resistance, and contribute to the regulation of blood pressure. These important microvessels display pressure-dependent myogenic tone, the steady state level of contractile activity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) that sets resting arteriolar internal diameter such that arterioles can both dilate and constrict to meet the blood flow and pressure needs of the tissues and organs that they perfuse. This perspective will focus on the Ca²⁺-dependent ion channels in the plasma and endoplasmic reticulum membranes of arteriolar VSMCs and endothelial cells (ECs) that regulate arteriolar tone. In VSMCs, Ca²⁺-dependent negative feedback regulation of myogenic tone is mediated by Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels and also Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation of voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCC). Transient receptor potential subfamily M, member 4 channels (TRPM4); Ca²⁺-activated Cl⁻ channels (CaCCs; TMEM16A/ANO1), Ca²⁺-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated K⁺ (K_V) and ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels; and Ca²⁺-induced-Ca²⁺ release through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP₃Rs) participate in Ca²⁺-dependent positive-feedback regulation of myogenic tone. Calcium release from VSMC ryanodine receptors (RyRs) provide negative-feedback through Ca²⁺-spark-mediated control of BK_Ca channel activity, or positive-feedback regulation in cooperation with IP₃Rs or CaCCs. In some arterioles, VSMC RyRs are silent. In ECs, transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily, member 4 (TRPV4) channels produce Ca²⁺ sparklets that activate IP₃Rs and intermediate and small conductance Ca²⁺ activated K⁺ (IK_Ca and sK_Ca) channels causing membrane hyperpolarization that is conducted to overlying VSMCs producing endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and vasodilation. Endothelial IP₃Rs produce Ca²⁺ pulsars, Ca²⁺ wavelets, Ca²⁺ waves and increased global Ca²⁺ levels activating EC sK_Ca and IK_Ca channels and causing Ca²⁺-dependent production of endothelial vasodilator autacoids such as NO, prostaglandin I₂ and epoxides of arachidonic acid that mediate negative-feedback regulation of myogenic tone. Thus, Ca²⁺-dependent ion channels importantly contribute to many aspects of the regulation of myogenic tone in arterioles in the microcirculation.

Aging alters spontaneous and neurotransmitter-mediated Ca2+ signaling in smooth muscle cells of mouse mesenteric arteries

OBJECTIVE

Aging impairs MA dilation by reducing the ability of sensory nerves to counteract sympathetic vasoconstriction. This study tested whether altered SMC Ca²⁺ signals to sympathetic (NE) and sensory (CGRP) neurotransmitters underlie aging-related deficits in vasodilation.

METHODS

MAs from young and old mice were pressurized and loaded with Fluo-4 dye for confocal measurement of SMC Ca²⁺ sparks and waves. Endothelial denudation resolved the influence of ECs. SMCs were immunolabeled for RyR isoforms and compared with transcript levels for RyRs and CGRP receptor components.

RESULTS

SMCs from young vs old mice exhibited more spontaneous Ca²⁺ spark sites with no difference in Ca²⁺ waves. NE reduced spark sites and increased waves for both groups; addition of CGRP restored sparks and reduced waves only for young mice. Endothelial denudation attenuated Ca²⁺ responses to CGRP for young but not old mice, which were already attenuated, suggesting a diminished role for ECs with aging. CGRP receptor expression was similar between ages with increased serum CGRP in old mice, where RyR1 expression was replaced by RyR3.

CONCLUSION

With aging, we suggest that altered RyR expression in SMCs contributes to impaired ability of sensory neurotransmission to restore Ca²⁺ signaling underlying vasomotor control during sympathetic activation.

Voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activity modulates smooth muscle cell calcium waves in hamster cremaster arterioles

Cremaster muscle arteriolar smooth muscle cells (SMCs) display inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-dependent Ca²⁺ waves that contribute to global myoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration and myogenic tone. However, the contribution made by voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (VGCCs) to arteriolar SMC Ca²⁺ waves is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that VGCC activity modulates SMC Ca²⁺ waves in pressurized (80 cmH₂O/59 mmHg, 34°C) hamster cremaster muscle arterioles loaded with Fluo-4 and imaged by confocal microscopy. Removal of extracellular Ca²⁺ dilated arterioles (32 ± 3 to 45 ± 3 μm, n = 15, P < 0.05) and inhibited the occurrence, amplitude, and frequency of Ca²⁺ waves ( n = 15, P < 0.05), indicating dependence of Ca²⁺ waves on Ca²⁺ influx. Blockade of VGCCs with nifedipine (1 μM) or diltiazem (10 μM) or deactivation of VGCCs by hyperpolarization of smooth muscle with the K⁺ channel agonist cromakalim (10 μM) produced similar inhibition of Ca²⁺ waves ( P < 0.05). Conversely, depolarization of SMCs with the K⁺ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (1 mM) constricted arterioles from 26 ± 3 to 14 ± 2 μm ( n = 11, P < 0.05) and increased wave occurrence (9 ± 3 to 16 ± 3 waves/SMC), amplitude (1.6 ± 0.07 to 1.9 ± 0.1), and frequency (0.5 ± 0.1 to 0.9 ± 0.2 Hz, n = 10, P < 0.05), effects that were blocked by nifedipine (1 μM, P < 0.05). Similarly, the VGCC agonist Bay K8644 (5 nM) constricted arterioles from 14 ± 1 to 8 ± 1 μm and increased wave occurrence (3 ± 1 to 10 ± 1 waves/SMC) and frequency (0.2 ± 0.1 to 0.6 ± 0.1 Hz, n = 6, P < 0.05), effects that were unaltered by ryanodine (50 μM, n = 6, P > 0.05). These data support the hypothesis that Ca²⁺ waves in arteriolar SMCs depend, in part, on the activity of VGCCs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Arterioles that control blood flow to and within skeletal muscle depend on Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels and release of Ca²⁺ from internal stores through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in the form of Ca²⁺ waves to maintain pressure-induced smooth muscle tone.

Smooth Muscle Ion Channels and Regulation of Vascular Tone in Resistance Arteries and Arterioles

Vascular tone of resistance arteries and arterioles determines peripheral vascular resistance, contributing to the regulation of blood pressure and blood flow to, and within the body's tissues and organs. Ion channels in the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in these blood vessels importantly contribute to the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, the primary determinant of SMC contractile activity and vascular tone. Ion channels provide the main source of activator Ca2+ that determines vascular tone, and strongly contribute to setting and regulating membrane potential, which, in turn, regulates the open-state-probability of voltage gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), the primary source of Ca2+ in resistance artery and arteriolar SMCs. Ion channel function is also modulated by vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, contributing to all aspects of the regulation of vascular tone. This review will focus on the physiology of VGCCs, voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels, large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channels, strong-inward-rectifier K+ (KIR) channels, ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, ryanodine receptors (RyRs), inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs), and a variety of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that contribute to pressure-induced myogenic tone in resistance arteries and arterioles, the modulation of the function of these ion channels by vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, their role in the functional regulation of tissue blood flow and their dysfunction in diseases such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:485-581, 2017.

Calcium Channels in Vascular Smooth Muscle

Calcium (Ca²⁺) plays a central role in excitation, contraction, transcription, and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMs). Precise regulation of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) is crucial for proper physiological VSM function. Studies over the last several decades have revealed that VSMs express a variety of Ca²⁺-permeable channels that orchestrate a dynamic, yet finely tuned regulation of [Ca²⁺]_i. In this review, we discuss the major Ca²⁺-permeable channels expressed in VSM and their contribution to vascular physiology and pathology.

PC-PLC/sphingomyelin synthase activity plays a central role in the development of myogenic tone in murine resistance arteries

Myogenic tone is an intrinsic property of the vasculature that contributes to blood pressure control and tissue perfusion. Earlier investigations assigned a key role in myogenic tone to phospholipase C (PLC) and its products, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Here, we used the PLC inhibitor, U-73122, and two other, specific inhibitors of PLC subtypes (PI-PLC and PC-PLC) to delineate the role of PLC in myogenic tone of pressurized murine mesenteric arteries. U-73122 inhibited depolarization-induced contractions (high external K(+) concentration), thus confirming reports of nonspecific actions of U-73122 and its limited utility for studies of myogenic tone. Edelfosine, a specific inhibitor of PI-PLC, did not affect depolarization-induced contractions but modulated myogenic tone. Because PI-PLC produces IP3, we investigated the effect of blocking IP3 receptor-mediated Ca(2+) release on myogenic tone. Incubation of arteries with xestospongin C did not affect tone, consistent with the virtual absence of Ca(2+) waves in arteries with myogenic tone. D-609, an inhibitor of PC-PLC and sphingomyelin synthase, strongly inhibited myogenic tone and had no effect on depolarization-induced contraction. D-609 appeared to act by lowering cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration to levels below those that activate contraction. Importantly, incubation of pressurized arteries with a membrane-permeable analog of DAG induced vasoconstriction. The results therefore mandate a reexamination of the signaling pathways activated by the Bayliss mechanism. Our results suggest that PI-PLC and IP3 are not required in maintaining myogenic tone, but DAG, produced by PC-PLC and/or SM synthase, is likely through multiple mechanisms to increase Ca(2+) entry and promote vasoconstriction.

Conditional knockout of smooth muscle sodium calcium exchanger type-1 lowers blood pressure and attenuates Angiotensin II-salt hypertension

The functions of smooth muscle sodium calcium exchanger (NCX) in the vasculature are controversial and poorly understood. To determine the possible roles of NCX in the vascular phenotype and function, we developed a novel mouse model (SM‐NCX1 KO) in which the smooth muscle‐specific NCX type‐1 (NCX1) was conditionally knocked out using tamoxifen‐inducible Cre‐loxP recombination technique. SM‐NCX1 KO mice exhibit significantly lower blood pressure and attenuated angiotensin II (Ang II)‐salt‐induced hypertension (measured by radio telemetry and intra‐arterial catheterization). Isolated, pressurized mesenteric small resistance arteries from SM‐NCX1 KO mice, compared to control arteries, were characterized by the following: (1) ~90% reduced NCX1 protein expression; (2) impaired functional responses to (i) acute NCX inhibition by SEA0400 or SN‐6, (ii) NCX activation by low [Na⁺]_o, and (iii) Na⁺ pump inhibition by ouabain; (3) attenuated myogenic reactivity; and (4) attenuated vasoconstrictor response to phenylephrine but not Ang II. These results provided direct evidence that arterial NCX1 normally mediates net Ca²⁺ influx that helps maintain basal vascular tone in small resistance arteries and blood pressure under physiological conditions. Importantly, NCX1 contributes to blood pressure elevation in Ang II‐salt hypertension, possibly by regulating α‐adrenergic receptor activation.

Smooth muscle‐specific Na/Ca exchanger type‐1 in adult mice was knocked out by the tamoxifen‐inducible Cre‐LoxP technique 3–5 weeks before experiments. This results in (1) attenuated myogenic response and attenuated vasoconstrictor response to alpha‐adrenoceptor activation in pressurized mesenteric small resistance arteries; and (2) lower baseline blood pressure and reduced angiotensin II‐salt‐induced hypertension.

Calcium dynamics in vascular smooth muscle

Smooth muscle cells are ultimately responsible for determining vascular luminal diameter and blood flow. Dynamic changes in intracellular calcium are a critical mechanism regulating vascular smooth muscle contractility. Processes influencing intracellular calcium are therefore important regulators of vascular function with physiological and pathophysiological consequences. In this review we discuss the major dynamic calcium signals identified and characterized in vascular smooth muscle cells. These signals vary with respect to their mechanisms of generation, temporal properties, and spatial distributions. The calcium signals discussed include calcium waves, junctional calcium transients, calcium sparks, calcium puffs, and L-type calcium channel sparklets. For each calcium signal we address underlying mechanisms, general properties, physiological importance, and regulation.

Vascular tone and Ca(2+) signaling in murine cremaster muscle arterioles in vivo

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine some of the molecular requirements for basal state "tone" of skeletal muscle arterioles in vivo, and whether asynchronous Ca(2+) waves are involved or not.

METHODS

Cremaster muscles of anesthetized exMLCK and smGCaMP2 biosensor mice were exteriorized, and the fluorescent arterioles were visualized with wide-field, confocal or multiphoton microscopy to observe Ca(2+) signaling and arteriolar diameter.

RESULTS

Basal state tone of the arterioles was ~50%. Local block of Ang-II receptors (AT1 ) or α1 -adrenoceptors (α1 -AR) had no effect on diameter, nor did complete block of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Inhibition of phospholipase C caused dilation nearly to the Ca(2+) -free (passive) diameter, as did exposure to nifedipine or 2-APB. Arterioles were also dilated when treated with SKF96365. High-resolution imaging of exMLCK fluorescence (ratio) or GCaMP2 fluorescence in smooth muscle cells failed to reveal Ca(2+) waves (although Ca(2+) waves/transients were readily detected by both biosensors in small arteries, ex vivo).

CONCLUSIONS

Arterioles of cremaster muscle have vascular tone of ~ 50%, which is not due to α1 -AR, AT1 R, or SNA. PLC activity, L-type Ca(2+) channels, 2-APB- and SKF96365-sensitive channels are required. Propagating Ca(2+) waves are not present. A key role for PLC and InsP3 R in vascular tone in vivo, other than producing Ca(2+) waves, is suggested.

New insights into the contribution of arterial NCX to the regulation of myogenic tone and blood pressure

Plasma membrane protein Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells plays an important role in intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, Ca(2+) signaling, and arterial contractility. Recent evidence in intact animals reveals that VSM NCX type 1 (NCX1) is importantly involved in the control of arterial blood pressure (BP) in the normal state and in hypertension. Increased expression of vascular NCX1 has been implicated in human primary pulmonary hypertension and several salt-dependent hypertensive animal models. Our aim is to determine the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which vascular NCX influences vasoconstriction and BP normally and in salt-dependent hypertension. Here, we describe the relative contribution of VSM NCX1 to Ca(2+) signaling and arterial contraction, including recent data from transgenic mice (NCX1(smTg/Tg), overexpressors; NCX1(sm-/-), knockouts) that has begun to elucidate the specific contributions of NCX to BP regulation. Arterial contraction and BP correlate with the level of NCX1 expression in smooth muscle: NCX1(sm-/-) mice have decreased arterial myogenic tone (MT), vasoconstriction, and low BP. NCX1(smTg/Tg) mice have high BP and are more sensitive to salt; their arteries exhibit upregulated transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) protein, increased MT, and vasoconstriction. These observations suggest that NCX is a key component of certain distinct signaling pathways that activate VSM contraction in response to stretch (i.e., myogenic response) and to activation of certain G-protein-coupled receptors. Arterial NCX expression and mechanisms that control the local (sub-plasma membrane) Na(+) gradient, including cation-selective receptor-operated channels containing TRPC6, regulate arterial Ca(2+) and constriction, and thus BP.

The role of actin filament dynamics in the myogenic response of cerebral resistance arteries

The myogenic response has a critical role in regulation of blood flow to the brain. Increased intraluminal pressure elicits vasoconstriction, whereas decreased intraluminal pressure induces vasodilatation, thereby maintaining flow constant over the normal physiologic blood pressure range. Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the myogenic response is crucial to identify deficiencies with pathologic consequences, such as cerebral vasospasm, hypertension, and stroke, and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Three mechanisms have been suggested to be involved in the myogenic response: (1) membrane depolarization, which induces Ca(2+) entry, activation of myosin light chain kinase, phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chains (LC(20)), increased actomyosin MgATPase activity, cross-bridge cycling, and vasoconstriction; (2) activation of the RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway, leading to inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase by phosphorylation of MYPT1, the myosin targeting regulatory subunit of the phosphatase, and increased LC(20) phosphorylation; and (3) activation of the ROCK and protein kinase C pathways, leading to actin polymerization and the formation of enhanced connections between the actin cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, and extracellular matrix to augment force transmission. This review describes these three mechanisms, emphasizing recent developments regarding the importance of dynamic actin polymerization in the myogenic response of the cerebral vasculature.

Inositol trisphosphate receptors in smooth muscle cells

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) are a family of tetrameric intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) release channels that are located on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane of virtually all mammalian cell types, including smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here, we have reviewed literature investigating IP(3)R expression, cellular localization, tissue distribution, activity regulation, communication with ion channels and organelles, generation of Ca(2+) signals, modulation of physiological functions, and alterations in pathologies in SMCs. Three IP(3)R isoforms have been identified, with relative expression and cellular localization of each contributing to signaling differences in diverse SMC types. Several endogenous ligands, kinases, proteins, and other modulators control SMC IP(3)R channel activity. SMC IP(3)Rs communicate with nearby ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and mitochondria to influence SR Ca(2+) release and reactive oxygen species generation. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release can stimulate plasma membrane-localized channels, including transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and store-operated Ca(2+) channels. SMC IP(3)Rs also signal to other proteins via SR Ca(2+) release-independent mechanisms through physical coupling to TRP channels and local communication with large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels. IP(3)R-mediated Ca(2+) release generates a wide variety of intracellular Ca(2+) signals, which vary with respect to frequency, amplitude, spatial, and temporal properties. IP(3)R signaling controls multiple SMC functions, including contraction, gene expression, migration, and proliferation. IP(3)R expression and cellular signaling are altered in several SMC diseases, notably asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. In summary, IP(3)R-mediated pathways control diverse SMC physiological functions, with pathological alterations in IP(3)R signaling contributing to disease.

Intravascular pressure augments cerebral arterial constriction by inducing voltage-insensitive Ca2+ waves

This study examined whether elevated intravascular pressure stimulates asynchronous Ca(2+) waves in cerebral arterial smooth muscle cells and if their generation contributes to myogenic tone development. The endothelium was removed from rat cerebral arteries, which were then mounted in an arteriograph, pressurized (20-100 mmHg) and examined under a variety of experimental conditions. Diameter and membrane potential (V(M)) were monitored using conventional techniques; Ca(2+) wave generation and myosin light chain (MLC(20))/MYPT1 (myosin phosphatase targeting subunit) phosphorylation were assessed by confocal microscopy and Western blot analysis, respectively. Elevating intravascular pressure increased the proportion of smooth muscle cells firing asynchronous Ca(2+) waves as well as event frequency. Ca(2+) wave augmentation occurred primarily at lower intravascular pressures (<60 mmHg) and ryanodine, a plant alkaloid that depletes the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of Ca(2+), eliminated these events. Ca(2+) wave generation was voltage insensitive as Ca(2+) channel blockade and perturbations in extracellular [K(+)] had little effect on measured parameters. Ryanodine-induced inhibition of Ca(2+) waves attenuated myogenic tone and MLC(20) phosphorylation without altering arterial V(M). Thapsigargin, an SR Ca(2+)-ATPase inhibitor also attenuated Ca(2+) waves, pressure-induced constriction and MLC(20) phosphorylation. The SR-driven component of the myogenic response was proportionally greater at lower intravascular pressures and subsequent MYPT1 phosphorylation measures revealed that SR Ca(2+) waves facilitated pressure-induced MLC(20) phosphorylation through mechanisms that include myosin light chain phosphatase inhibition. Cumulatively, our findings show that mechanical stimuli augment Ca(2+) wave generation in arterial smooth muscle and that these transient events facilitate tone development particularly at lower intravascular pressures by providing a proportion of the Ca(2+) required to directly control MLC(20) phosphorylation.

In vivo assessment of artery smooth muscle [Ca2+]i and MLCK activation in FRET-based biosensor mice

The cellular mechanisms that control arterial diameter in vivo, particularly in hypertension, are uncertain. Here, we report a method that permits arterial intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) activation, and artery external diameter to be recorded simultaneously with arterial blood pressure (BP) in living mice under 1.5% isofluorane anesthesia. The method also enables an assessment of local receptor activity on [Ca(2+)](i), MLCK activity, and diameter in arteries, uncomplicated by systemic effects. Transgenic mice that express, in smooth muscle, a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-activated, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based "ratiometric", exogenous MLCK biosensor were used. Vasoactive substances were administered either intravenously or locally to segments of exposed femoral or cremaster arteries. In the basal state, mean BP was approximately 90 mmHg, femoral arteries were constricted to 65% of their passive diameter, MLCK fractional activation was 0.14, and [Ca(2+)](i) was 131 nM. Phenylephrine (300 ng/g wt iv) elevated mean BP transiently to approximately 110 mmHg, decreased heart rate, increased femoral artery [Ca(2+)](i) to 244 nM and fractional MLCK activation to 0.24, and decreased artery diameter by 23%. In comparison, local application of 1.0 muM phenylephrine raised [Ca(2+)](i) to 279 nM and fractional MLCK activation to 0.26, and reduced diameter by 25%, but did not affect BP or heart rate. Intravital FRET imaging of exogenous MLCK biosensor mice permits quantification of changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and MLCK activation that accompany small changes in BP. Based on the observed variance of the FRET data, this method should enable the detection of a difference in basal [Ca(2+)](i) of 29 nM between two groups of 12 mice with a significance of P < 0.05.

The contribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors to agonist-induced Ca(2+) signaling of airway smooth muscle cells

The relative contribution of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptors (IP(3)Rs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to agonist-induced Ca(2+) signaling in mouse airway smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was investigated in lung slices with phase-contrast or laser scanning microscopy. At room temperature (RT), methacholine (MCh) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced Ca(2+) oscillations and an associated contraction in small airway SMCs. The subsequent exposure to an IP(3)R antagonist, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), inhibited the Ca(2+) oscillations and induced airway relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-APB also inhibited Ca(2+) waves generated by the photolytic release of IP(3). However, the RyR antagonist ryanodine had no significant effect, at any concentration, on airway contraction or agonist- or IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) oscillations or Ca(2+) wave propagation. By contrast, a second RyR antagonist, tetracaine, relaxed agonist-contracted airways and inhibited agonist-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner. However, tetracaine did not affect IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release or wave propagation nor the Ca(2+) content of SMC Ca(2+) stores as evaluated by Ca(2+)-release induced by caffeine. Conversely, both ryanodine and tetracaine completely blocked agonist-independent slow Ca(2+) oscillations induced by KCl. The inhibitory effects of 2-APB and absence of an effect of ryanodine on MCh-induced airway contraction or Ca(2+) oscillations of SMCs were also observed at 37 degrees C. In Ca(2+)-permeable SMCs, tetracaine inhibited agonist-induced contraction without affecting intracellular Ca(2+) levels indicating that relaxation also resulted from a reduction in Ca(2+) sensitivity. These results indicate that agonist-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in mouse small airway SMCs are primary mediated via IP(3)Rs and that tetracaine induces relaxation by both decreasing Ca(2+) sensitivity and inhibiting agonist-induced Ca(2+) oscillations via an IP(3)-dependent mechanism.

Three-dimensional electron microscopic reconstruction of intracellular organellar arrangements in vascular smooth muscle--further evidence of nanospaces and contacts

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of smooth muscle is crucial for appropriate regulation of Ca²⁺ signalling. In visceral and vascular smooth muscles the SR is known to periodically lie in close register, within a few nanometres, to the plasma membrane. Recent work has focussed on reconstructions of the ultrastructural arrangement of this so-called peripheral SR that may be important for the genesis of phenomena such as Ca²⁺ sparks. Here, we turn our attention to vascular smooth muscle and explore the 3-dimensional (3D) ultrastructural positioning of SR found deeper in the cell that is involved in the propagation of Ca²⁺ waves. We use digital reconstruction and volume rendering of serial electron microscopic sections from isolated resistance arteries, pressurized in vitro to mimic cellular geometric conformations anticipated in vivo, to map SR positioning. We confirm that these central portions of SR are in close register with mitochondria and the nucleus with all three organelles tightly enveloped by a myofilament/cytoskeletal lattice. Nanospacings between the SR and individual mitochondria are visible and in three dimensions as the SR contorts to accommodate these organelles. Direct connection of the SR and nuclear membranes is confirmed. Such 3D positioning of centrally located SR further informs us of its likely role in the manifestation of spatiotemporal Ca²⁺ dynamics: signal encoding may be facilitated by spatially directed release of Ca²⁺ to influence several processes crucial to vascular smooth muscle and resistance artery function including myofilament activation by Ca²⁺ waves, mitochondrial respiration and gene transcription.

Activation by Ca2+/calmodulin of an exogenous myosin light chain kinase in mouse arteries

Activation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and other kinases was studied in the arteries of transgenic mice that express an optical fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) MLCK activity biosensor. Binding of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (Ca(2+)/CaM) induces an increase in MLCK activity and a change in FRET. After exposure to high external [K(+)], intracellular [Ca(2+)] (fura-2 ratio or fluo-4 fluorescence) and MLCK activity both increased rapidly to an initial peak and then declined, rapidly at first and then very slowly. After an initial peak ('phasic') force was constant or increased slowly (termed 'tonic' force). Inhibition of rho-kinase (Y-27632) decreased tonic force more than phasic, but had little effect on [Ca(2+)] and MLCK activation. Inhibition of PKCalpha and PKCbeta with Gö6976 had no effect. KN-93, an inhibitor of CaMK II, markedly reduced force, MLCK FRET and [Ca(2+)]. Applied during tonic force, forskolin caused a rapid decrease in MLCK FRET ratio and force, but no change in Ca(2+), suggesting a cAMP mediated decrease in affinity of MLCK for Ca(2+)/CaM. However, receptor (beta-adrenergic) activated increases in cAMP during KCl were ineffective in causing relaxation, changes in [Ca(2+)], or MLCK FRET. At the same tonic force, MLCK FRET ratio activated by alpha(1)-adrenoceptors was approximately 60% of that activated by KCl. In conclusion, MLCK activity of arterial smooth muscle during KCl-induced contraction is determined primarily by Ca(2+)/CaM. Rho-kinase is activated, by unknown mechanisms, and increases 'Ca(2+) sensitivity' significantly. Forskolin mediated increases in cAMP, but not receptor mediated increases in cAMP cause a rapid decrease in the affinity of MLCK for Ca(2+)/CaM.

Mechanism of asynchronous Ca(2+) waves underlying agonist-induced contraction in the rat basilar artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Uridine 5'-triphosphate (UTP) is a potent vasoconstrictor of cerebral arteries and induces Ca(2+) waves in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). This study aimed to determine the mechanisms underlying UTP-induced Ca(2+) waves in VSMCs of the rat basilar artery.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Isometric force and intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) were measured in endothelium-denuded rat basilar artery using wire myography and confocal microscopy respectively.

KEY RESULTS

Uridine 5'-triphosphate (0.1-1000 micromol.L(-1)) concentration-dependently induced tonic contraction (pEC(50) = 4.34 +/- 0.13), associated with sustained repetitive oscillations in [Ca(2+)](i) propagating along the length of the VSMCs as asynchronized Ca(2+) waves. Inhibition of Ca(2+) reuptake in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) by cyclopiazonic acid abolished the Ca(2+) waves and resulted in a dramatic drop in tonic contraction. Nifedipine reduced the frequency of Ca(2+) waves by 40% and tonic contraction by 52%, and the nifedipine-insensitive component was abolished by SKF-96365, an inhibitor of receptor- and store-operated channels, and KB-R7943, an inhibitor of reverse-mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange. Ongoing Ca(2+) waves and tonic contraction were also abolished after blockade of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive receptors by 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate, but not by high concentrations of ryanodine or tetracaine. However, depletion of ryanodine-sensitive SR Ca(2+) stores prior to UTP stimulation prevented Ca(2+) waves.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Uridine 5'-triphosphate-induced Ca(2+) waves may underlie tonic contraction and appear to be produced by repetitive cycles of regenerative Ca(2+) release from the SR through inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate-sensitive receptors. Maintenance of Ca(2+) waves requires SR Ca(2+) reuptake from Ca(2+) entry across the plasma membrane via L-type Ca(2+) channels, receptor- and store-operated channels, and reverse-mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange.

ATP is the predominant sympathetic neurotransmitter in rat mesenteric arteries at high pressure

Most studies of neurovascular transmission in isolated small mesenteric arteries have used either isometric recording techniques or measured vasoconstriction in vessels with no distending pressure. Here we have used pressure myography to assess the contribution of noradrenaline and ATP to sympathetic neurotransmission in rat second-order mesenteric arteries. In arteries pressurized to 30 or 90 mmHg, activation of sympathetic axons with trains of electrical stimuli (50 pulses, 0.5-10 Hz) evoked frequency-dependent vasoconstrictions that increased in amplitude at higher pressure. In the presence of the P2-receptor antagonist suramin (0.1 mM), the amplitude of vasoconstrictions to trains at 2 and 10 Hz did not differ at 30 and 90 mmHg. In contrast, in the presence of the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.1 microm) vasoconstrictions at 90 mmHg were larger than those at 30 mmHg. At both pressures, the combination of prazosin and suramin virtually abolished constrictions. The purinergic component of vasoconstriction (prazosin-resistant) was almost abolished by the L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine (1 microm). Increasing pressure from 30 to 90 mmHg decreased the resting membrane potential and increased the amplitude of purinergic excitatory junction potentials. These findings indicate that the contribution of ATP to neurovascular transmission increases when the pressure is raised from 30 to 90 mmHg, which is similar to the pressure second-order mesenteric arteries experience in vivo, and that Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels is largely responsible for purinergic activation of the vascular smooth muscle.