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Rhythmic contraction generates adjustable passive stiffness in rabbit detrusor.

Atheer M Almasri1, Paul H Ratz, Hersch Bhatia

  • 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, VA 23284-3015, USA.

Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|January 9, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) exhibits adjustable passive stiffness (APS), a property influenced by contraction history. This study identified mechanisms of APS generation, suggesting a physiological role for spontaneous rhythmic contractions in the human bladder.

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Smooth Muscle Biology
  • Biomechanical Adaptation

Background:

  • Airway and vascular smooth muscles demonstrate length-dependent adaptation of length-tension (L-T) relationships.
  • Rabbit detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) exhibits adjustable passive stiffness (APS), where passive L-T curves depend on strain and activation history.
  • Passive tension from APS constitutes a significant portion of total tension across various muscle lengths.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the generation of APS in detrusor smooth muscle.
  • To investigate the influence of contraction frequency and duration on APS development.
  • To explore the role of calcium and protein kinases in APS regulation and its potential physiological relevance.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated APS by inducing contractions with KCl at varying frequencies and durations.
  • Assessed APS recovery in calcium-free solutions.
  • Examined the effect of staurosporine, a protein kinase inhibitor, on APS.
  • Evaluated APS generation during rhythmic contractions (RC).

Main Results:

  • Repeated or prolonged KCl-induced contractions enhanced APS, evidenced by increased passive tension at longer lengths.
  • A portion of APS was recoverable in calcium-free conditions, indicating calcium-independent components.
  • APS generation was sensitive to staurosporine, implicating serine/threonine kinases.
  • Spontaneous rhythmic contractions (RC) were found to generate APS.

Conclusions:

  • Contraction history, including frequency and duration, significantly modulates passive stiffness in detrusor smooth muscle.
  • Calcium and serine/threonine protein kinases play roles in the mechanisms of APS generation.
  • The ability of rhythmic contractions to generate APS suggests a potential physiological function in the human bladder.