Evolving mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction highlight key targets in vascular disease.

ABSTRACT: Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) plays an important role in the regulation of vascular function. Identifying the mechanisms of VSM contraction has been a major research goal in order to determine the causes of vascular dysfunction and exaggerated vasoconstriction in vascular disease. Major discoveries over several decades have helped to better understand the mechanisms of VSM contraction. Ca²⁺ has been established as a major regulator of VSM contraction, and its sources, cytosolic levels, homeostatic mechanisms and subcellular distribution have been defined. Biochemical studies have also suggested that stimulation of Gq protein-coupled membrane receptors activates phospholipase C and promotes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids into inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃)

SUBMITTER: Liu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5959760 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature