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Developmental changes in ryanodine- and IP(3)-sensitive Ca(2+) pools in ovine basilar artery
S M Nauli1, J M Williams, S E Akopov
1Department of Physiology, Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA.
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|November 8, 2001
Summary
Cerebrovascular maturation significantly alters intracellular calcium (Ca2+) pools in sheep basilar arteries. Fetal arteries have larger noncontractile and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores compared to adults.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Vascular Biology
- Calcium Signaling
Background:
- Intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling is crucial for vascular smooth muscle function.
- Cerebrovascular maturation involves developmental changes in cellular mechanisms, including Ca2+ handling.
- Ryanodine receptors and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptors are key regulators of intracellular Ca2+ release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how cerebrovascular maturation affects the size of ryanodine- and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ pools.
- To compare Ca2+ pool characteristics in adult and term fetal sheep basilar arteries.
Main Methods:
- Utilized furaptra-loaded permeabilized basilar arteries from adult and term fetal sheep.
- Measured total intracellular Ca2+ using 45Ca.
- Quantified Ca2+ fractions released by IP3 and/or caffeine to determine pool sizes.
Main Results:
- IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pools were similar in adult and fetal arteries.
- Ryanodine-sensitive and IP3/ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ pools were significantly smaller in adult arteries compared to fetal arteries.
- Noncontractile Ca2+ pools were 10-fold smaller in adult arteries, representing a major developmental decrease.
Conclusions:
- Cerebrovascular maturation leads to a significant reduction in noncontractile and ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pools.
- IP3-sensitive Ca2+ pools remain relatively constant during maturation.
- Increased IP3 efficacy with age likely involves mechanisms beyond just IP3-sensitive pool size.
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