Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
08:59
Utilizing the Precision-Cut Lung Slice to Study the Contractile Regulation of Airway and Intrapulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle
Published on: May 5, 2022
Ca(2+) oscillations regulate contraction of intrapulmonary smooth muscle cells
Michael J Sanderson1, Yan Bai, Jose Perez-Zoghbi
1Department of Physiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA. Michael.Sanderson@umassmed.edu
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|March 6, 2010
Summary
Understanding pulmonary smooth muscle cell contraction is key for hypertension therapy. This study reveals how calcium oscillations and sensitivity control blood vessel tone, offering insights into potential treatments.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Pulmonary blood pressure is regulated by intrapulmonary blood vessel resistance.
- Smooth muscle cell (SMC) contraction mechanisms are crucial targets for hypertension therapy.
- Investigating these mechanisms requires direct access to intrapulmonary vessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms controlling vascular smooth muscle cell tone in the lungs.
- To understand the role of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) and Ca2+ sensitivity in SMC contraction.
- To investigate the signaling pathways involved in SMC contraction and relaxation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a unique lung slice preparation for microscopy.
- Observed agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations and their correlation with contraction.
- Examined the effects of membrane potential changes (e.g., KCl) on SMC tone.
- Investigated the role of internal Ca2+ stores, inositol trisphosphate receptors, and ryanodine receptors.
Main Results:
- SMC tone is determined by intracellular Ca2+ concentration and SMC sensitivity to Ca2+.
- Agonist stimulation causes propagating Ca2+ oscillations, primarily using internal stores and inositol trisphosphate receptors, correlating with contraction.
- KCl-induced membrane depolarization leads to slow Ca2+ oscillations and increased Ca2+ sensitivity, relying on Ca2+ influx and ryanodine receptors.
- Beta(2)-adrenergic agonists and nitric oxide induce relaxation by reducing Ca2+ oscillation frequency and Ca2+ sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and SMC Ca2+ sensitivity are critical regulators of pulmonary vascular tone.
- Specific signaling pathways involving Ca2+ oscillations and receptor-mediated Ca2+ release are key to SMC contraction.
- Modulating these Ca2+-dependent mechanisms offers potential therapeutic strategies for pulmonary hypertension.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Smooth Muscle Contraction
Smooth muscle contraction is a complex process vital for various bodily functions, from maintaining blood vessel tension to facilitating the movement of food through the digestive tract. Unlike striated muscles, smooth muscle contraction begins more slowly and lasts longer.
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...
The onset of contraction is triggered by an increase in calcium ions within the sarcoplasm, similar to the process in striated muscle. However, smooth muscles have a relatively smaller reservoir of the sarcoplasmic...
01:13Structure and Organization of Smooth Muscles
Smooth muscle tissue is a type of muscle tissue that can be found lining various vital organs in the human body, including the lungs, blood vessels, digestive tract, and respiratory tract. This type of tissue is responsible for regulating the movements of these organs, playing crucial roles in the functioning of various systems, including the vascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
Structure of smooth muscle cell
Smooth muscle cells are spindle-shaped with tapering ends and a...
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:27Specialized Characteristics of Cardiac Muscles
The primary role of cardiac muscles is to propel blood throughout the cardiovascular system. The cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, exhibit specialized characteristics that allow them to perform this function.
Cardiac muscle cells are smaller than skeletal muscles, averaging 10–20 mm in diameter and 50–100 mm in length. However, they have large energy demands for continuous contraction and relaxation. This energy is almost exclusively derived from aerobic metabolism of energy reserves in...
Cardiac muscle cells are smaller than skeletal muscles, averaging 10–20 mm in diameter and 50–100 mm in length. However, they have large energy demands for continuous contraction and relaxation. This energy is almost exclusively derived from aerobic metabolism of energy reserves in...
01:23Functions of Smooth Muscles
Smooth muscles are an important type of muscle tissue that plays a vital role in the involuntary movements of internal organs. For example, they help regulate the movement of food through the gut and the flow of blood through the circulatory system.
Function of visceral smooth muscles
Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of all hollow organs, except the heart, and is a key player in the involuntary movements that drive the functioning of these internal organs. This tissue is arranged in...
Function of visceral smooth muscles
Visceral smooth muscle is found in the walls of all hollow organs, except the heart, and is a key player in the involuntary movements that drive the functioning of these internal organs. This tissue is arranged in...
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...