Ca2+ sparks and K(Ca) channels: novel mechanisms to relax urinary bladder smooth muscle
Thomas J Heppner1, Gerald M Herrera, Adrian D Bonev
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
Abstract:
Negative feedback pathways that relax and stabilize UBSM are critical to the proper functioning of the urinary bladder. The complex interactions between K(Ca) channels and RyRs are just beginning to be unraveled. The consequences of SK, BK, and RyR dysfunction would increase cell excitability and lead to urinary bladder instability. Although each of these channels is a potential target for the development of therapeutics to treat urinary incontinence, SK is of special interest, since this SK isoform does not appear to be present in vascular smooth muscle.
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