Ca2+ dynamics in a population of smooth muscle cells: modeling the recruitment and synchronization.

ABSTRACT: Many experimental studies have shown that arterial smooth muscle cells respond with cytosolic calcium rises to vasoconstrictor stimulation. A low vasoconstrictor concentration gives rise to asynchronous spikes in the calcium concentration in a few cells (asynchronous flashing). With a greater vasoconstrictor concentration, the number of smooth muscle cells responding in this way increases (recruitment) and calcium oscillations may appear. These oscillations may eventually synchronize and generate arterial contraction and vasomotion. We show that these phenomena of recruitment and synchronization naturally emerge from a model of a population of smooth muscle cells coupled through their gap junctions. The effects of electrical, calcium, and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate coupling are studied.

SUBMITTER: Koenigsberger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1304399 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature