Cristina Porras-González

Metabotropic Regulation of RhoA/Rho-Associated Kinase by L-type Ca2+ Channels New Mechanism for Depolarization-Evoked Mammalian Arterial Contraction

Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation). # Novelty and Significance {#article-title-45}Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation).

Metabotropic Regulation of RhoA/Rho-Associated Kinase by L-type Ca2+ Channels

Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation). # Novelty and Significance {#article-title-45}Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation).

Low-dose combination of Rho kinase and L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists for selective inhibition of depolarization-induced sustained arterial contraction

L-type Ca(2+) channels (LTCCs) are involved in the maintenance of tonic arterial contractions and regulate the RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) sensitization cascade. We have tested effects of individual and combined low concentrations of LTCCs and ROCK inhibitors to produce arterial relaxation without the adverse side effects of LTCCs antagonists. We have also studied whether this pharmacological strategy alters Ca(2+)-dependent electrical properties of isolated arterial and cardiac myocytes as well as cardiac contractility. Rat basilar, human carotid and coronary arterial rings were mounted on a small-vessel myograph to measure isometric tension and cardiac contractility was measured in Langendorff-perfused rat heart. Simultaneous cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration and arterial diameter were measured in intact pressurized arteries loaded with Fura-2. Patch-clamp techniques were used to measure electrical properties in isolated cardiac and arterial myocytes. Low concentrations of LTCCs and ROCK inhibitors reduced the tonic component of moderate depolarization-evoked contraction, leaving the phasic component practically unaltered. This selective vasorelaxant effect was more marked when the LTCCs and ROCK inhibitors were applied together. In the concentration range used (nM), Ca(2+) currents in arterial myocytes, cardiac action potentials and heart contractility were unaffected by this pharmacological approach. In conclusion, low doses of LTCCs and ROCK inhibitors could be used to selectively relax precontracted arteries in pathologic conditions such as hypertension, and cerebral or coronary spasms with minor side effects on physiological contractile properties of vascular and cardiac myocytes.

A New Metabotropic Role for L-type Ca2+ Channels in Vascular Smooth Muscle Contraction

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contraction can be evoked by the rise of cytosolic [Ca(2+)] owing to transmembrane Ca(2+) influx or sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release. Although the classical ionotropic role of voltagedependent (L-type) Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs) is known, we review here data suggesting a new metabotropic function of VGCCs in vascular smooth muscle cells. VGCCs can trigger Ca(2+) release from the SR in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. During depolarization, VGCCs can activate G proteins and phospholipase C (PLC)/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) pathway leading to Ca2+ release and arterial contraction. This new metabotropic role of VGCCs, referred as calcium channel-induced Ca(2+) release (CCICR), has a major role in tonic VSM contractility, as it links sustained membrane depolarization and Ca(2+) channel activation with metabotropic Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and tonic smooth muscle contraction. This new role of VGCCs could have a wide functional relevance for the pathogenesis of vasospasms mediated by membrane depolarization and vasoactive agents that can activate VGCCs. Precise understanding of CCICR could help to optimize pharmacological treatments for clinical conditions where Ca(2+) channels antagonists are recommended.

Contribution of L-type Ca2+ channel-sarcoplasmic reticulum coupling to depolarization-induced arterial contraction in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Evidence has shown that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) are depolarized and that the expression of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ buffering system are upregulated. Arterial rings exposed to high K+ solutions develop a contraction with two components, namely, an initial or phasic component and a sustained or tonic component. Because LTCCs and SR have different functions in the phasic and tonic components of depolarization-induced contraction, this study investigated the role of LTCC-SR coupling in depolarized arterial rings of SHRs. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, high external K+ or LTCC agonists elicited a transitory contraction, which was sensitive to nifedipine and was potentiated in SHRs. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an SR Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor, evoked a transient contraction that was significantly increased in SHRs. Although the phasic and tonic components were markedly increased in depolarized arterial rings of SHRs, they showed different voltage-dependence and sensitivity to SERCA inhibition. The tonic component was more sensitive to moderate depolarizations, and CPA selectively reduced the tonic component to the level observed in WKY rats. These results suggested that LTCC-SR coupling is potentiated in the sustained contraction of hypertensive VSMCs.

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

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

Metabotropic Regulation of RhoA/Rho-Associated Kinase by L-type Ca2+ ChannelsNovelty and Significance

Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation). # Novelty and Significance {#article-title-45}Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation).

Metabotropic Regulation of RhoA/Rho-Associated Kinase by L-type Ca2+ ChannelsNovelty and Significance: New Mechanism for Depolarization-Evoked Mammalian Arterial Contraction

Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation). # Novelty and Significance {#article-title-45}Background: Sustained vascular smooth muscle contraction is mediated by extracellular Ca2+ influx through L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC) and RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-dependent Ca2+ sensitization of the contractile machinery. VGCC activation can also trigger an ion-independent metabotropic pathway that involves G-protein/phospholipase C activation, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate synthesis, and Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release). We have studied the functional role of calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release and the inter-relations between Ca2+ channel and RhoA/ROCK activation. Methods and Results: We have used normal and genetically modified animals to study single myocyte electrophysiology and fluorimetry as well as cytosolic Ca2+ and diameter in intact arteries. These analyses were complemented with measurement of tension and RhoA activity in normal and reversibly permeabilized arterial rings. We have found that, unexpectedly, L-type Ca2+ channel activation and subsequent metabotropic Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum participate in depolarization-evoked RhoA/ROCK activity and sustained arterial contraction. We show that these phenomena do not depend on the change in the membrane potential itself, or the mere release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, but they require the simultaneous activation of VGCC and the downstream metabotropic pathway with concomitant Ca2+ release. During protracted depolarizations, refilling of the stores by a residual extracellular Ca2+ influx through VGCC helps maintaining RhoA activity and sustained arterial contraction. Conclusions: These findings reveal that calcium channel-induced Ca2+ release has a major role in tonic vascular smooth muscle contractility because it links membrane depolarization and Ca2+ channel activation with metabotropic Ca2+ release and sensitization (RhoA/ROCK stimulation).