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Modulation of the calcium sensitivity of the smooth muscle contractile apparatus: molecular mechanisms, pharmacological and pathophysiological implications

Summary— Smooth muscle contraction is the basis of the physiological reactivity of several systems (vascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital…). Hyperresponsiveness of smooth muscle may also contribute to a variety of problems such as arterial hypertension, asthma and spontaneous abortion. An increase in cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is the key event in excitation‐contraction coupling in smooth muscle and the relationship linking the [Ca2+]i value to the force of contraction represents the calcium sensitivity of the contractile apparatus (CaSCA). Recently, it has become evident that CaSCA can be modified upon the action of agonists or drugs as well as in some pathophysiological situations. Such modifications induce, at a fixed [Ca2+]i value, either an increase (referred to as sensitization) or a decrease (desensitization) of the contraction force. The molecular mechanisms underlying this modulation are not yet fully elucidated. Nevertheless, recent studies have identified sites of regulation of the actomyosin interaction in smooth muscle. Sensitization primarily results from the inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) by intracellular messengers such as arachidonic acid or protein kinase C. In addition, phosphorylation of thin filament‐associated proteins, caldesmon and calponin, increases CaSCA. Activation of small (monomeric) G‐proteins such as rho or ras is also involved. Desensitization occurs as a consequence of phosphorylation of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) by the calcium‐calmodulin activated protein kinase II, or stimulation of MLCP by cyclic GMP‐activated protein kinase. In the present review, examples of physiological modulation of CaCSA as well as pharmacological and pathophysiological implications are illustrated for some smooth muscles.