Stretch-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation in rat uterus

Stretching of rat uterine strips induced phosphorylation of the 20,000-Da light chain of myosin to the same extent as was observed in strips contracted by carbachol or oxytocin. Stretching also reversed the partial dephosphorylation of light chain caused by treatment with ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) for 1 min. However, complete dephosphorylation of the light chain with 50-min EGTA-treatment could not be reversed by stretch. When stretched uterine strips containing light chain with a phosphate content greater than 0.75 mol/mol were quick-released, active force developed. On the other hand, when the phosphate content of light chain was reduced to less than 0.25 mol/mol, quick-release of the stretched strips did not produce active force. It is shown that Ca2+ mobilized from intracellular sources is involved in stretch-induced phosphorylation. The data indicate that myosin light chain phosphorylation is a prerequisite for active force development in smooth muscle.