Relaxation of coronary artery strips by adenosine and acidosis

Cumulative dose-response curves of Ca2+-induced tension increments were studied in K+-depolarized helical strips of dog coronary arteries. Adenosine 10(-4) M reduced the Ca2+ sensitivity of the strips without altering the maximal tension with full Ca2+ activation. In contrast, acidosis of pH 7.05 significantly diminished the maximal tension with full Ca2+ activation. The relaxing effect of acidosis was almost completely abolished by 10(-4) M adenosine. It is concluded that adenosine inhibits Ca2+ influx, whereas acidosis depresses the contractile process of vascular smooth muscle directly.