Transduction mechanisms involved in the regulation of myogenic activity

Vascular smooth muscle has the ability to exist in a state of maintained partial constriction. This state of partial activation is initiated and/or maintained by the mechanical effects of distending pressure acting on the vascular wall. The intrinsic ability of vascular smooth muscle to respond to these mechanical forces is referred to as the myogenic mechanism. Within the past decade the signaling mechanisms responsible for mechanotransduction of myogenic phenomena have been the focus of extensive research. Two areas of active investigation include (1) the modulation of membrane ionic conductances by pressure/stretch and (2) the pressure/stretch-induced generation of second messengers known to be involved in vascular smooth muscle contraction. This review summarizes recent work aimed at understanding the mechanotransduction process in vascular smooth muscle.