K+ depolarization induces RhoA kinase translocation to caveolae and Ca2+ sensitization of arterial muscle

KCl causes smooth muscle contraction by elevating intracellular free Ca2+, whereas receptor stimulation activates an additional mechanism, termed Ca2+ sensitization, that can involve activation of RhoA-associated kinase (ROK) and PKC. However, recent studies support the hypothesis that KCl may also increase Ca2+ sensitivity. Our data showed that the PKC inhibitor GF-109203X did not, whereas the ROK inhibitor Y-27632 did, inhibit KCl-induced tonic (5 min) force and myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation in rabbit artery. Y-27632 also inhibited BAY K 8644- and ionomycin-induced MLC phosphorylation and force but did not inhibit KCl-induced Ca2+ entry or peak ( approximately 15 s) force. Moreover, KCl and BAY K 8644 nearly doubled the amount of ROK colocalized to caveolae at 30 s, a time that preceded inhibition of force by Y-27632. Colocalization was not inhibited by Y-27632 but was abolished by nifedipine and the calmodulin blocker trifluoperazine. These data support the hypothesis that KCl caused Ca2+ sensitization via ROK activation. We discuss a novel model for ROK activation involving translocation to caveolae that is dependent on Ca2+ entry and involves Ca2+-calmodulin activation.     

Zipper-interacting protein kinase induces Ca(2+)-free smooth muscle contraction via myosin light chain phosphorylation

The inhibition of myosin phosphatase evokes smooth muscle contraction in the absence of Ca(2+), yet the underlying mechanisms are not understood. To this end, we have cloned smooth muscle zipper-interacting protein (ZIP) kinase cDNA. ZIP kinase is present in various smooth muscle tissues including arteries. Triton X-100 skinning did not diminish ZIP kinase content, suggesting that ZIP kinase associates with the filamentous component in smooth muscle. Smooth muscle ZIP kinase phosphorylated smooth muscle myosin as well as the isolated 20-kDa myosin light chain in a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-independent manner. ZIP kinase phosphorylated myosin light chain at both Ser(19) and Thr(18) residues with the same rate constant. The actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin increased significantly following ZIP kinase-induced phosphorylation. Introduction of ZIP kinase into Triton X-100-permeabilized rabbit mesenteric artery provoked a Ca(2+)-free contraction. A protein phosphatase inhibitor, microcystin LR, also induced contraction in the absence of Ca(2+), which was accompanied by an increase in both mono- and diphosphorylation of myosin light chain. The observed sensitivity of the microcystin-induced contraction to various protein kinase inhibitors was identical to the sensitivity of isolated ZIP kinase to these inhibitors. These results suggest that ZIP kinase is responsible for Ca(2+) independent myosin phosphorylation and contraction in smooth muscle.     

Phosphodiesterase inhibition and Ca2+ sensitization

Inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type III (PDE III) enhance cardiac contractile force by elevating the intracellular calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]_i by impairing cAMP degradation thus increasing cAMP levels. The drugs are more effective in healthy than in failing hearts since basal cAMP production is diminished in the latter. However, long term treatment with PDE-III inhibitors does not appear to be beneficial due to increased risk of potentially lethal arrhythmias caused by augmentation of [Ca²⁺]_i[1). This risk should be absent in Ca²⁺ sensitizers. Recently, thiadiazinone derivatives have been synthetized in which the potency for Ca²⁺ sensitization is many-fold larger than the potency for PDE-III inhibition. The Ca²⁺-sensitizing action resides in the [+]-enantiomers, while the [–]-enantiomers show weak PDE-III inhibition. In the enantiomer pair [+]-EMD 60263 and [–]-EMD 60264, only the former concentration-dependently increased force of contraction in isolated cardiac preparations and myocytes. In the Langendorff-perfused guinea-pig heart, force was reversibly increased, whereas [–]-EMD 60264 even produced a negative inotropic response despite of its PDE inhibitory activity. Heart rate, however, was reduced by both enantiomers. Perfusion pressure remained unaffected. The effects were fully reversible upon wash-out of the enantiomers. [+]-EMD 60263 also enhanced cell shortening of human myocytes from both normal and failing hearts. In contrast to the opposite effects on contractility, both enantiomers prolong the action potential duration by blocking the rapidly activating component of the delayed rectifier K⁺ current. Thus they also possess class III antiarrhythmic activity. The therapeutic potential of these agents has yet to be assessed in clinical studies.     

G-protein-mediated Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle contraction through myosin light chain phosphorylation.

The Ca2+ sensitivities of tonic (pulmonary and femoral artery) and phasic (portal vein and ileum) smooth muscles and the effects of guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) and norepinephrine on Ca2+ sensitivity of force development and myosin light chain (MLC20) phosphorylation were determined in permeabilized preparations that retained coupled receptors and endogenous calmodulin. The Ca2+ sensitivity of force was higher (approximately 3-fold) in the tonic than in the phasic smooth muscles. The nucleotide specificity of Ca2+ sensitization was: GTP gamma S much greater than GTP greater than ITP much greater than CTP = UTP. Baseline phosphorylation (7% at pCa greater than 8) and maximal phosphorylation (58% at pCa 5.0) were both lower in portal vein than in femoral artery (20 and 97%). Norepinephrine and GTP gamma S increased phosphorylation at constant [Ca2+] (pCa 7.0-6.5). MLC20 phosphorylation induced by norepinephrine was completely inhibited by guanosine 5'-O-(beta-thiodiphosphate) (GDP beta S). In portal vein at pCa 5, GTP gamma S increased phosphorylation from 58%, the maximal Ca2(+)-activated value, to 75%, and at pCa greater than 8, from 7 to 13%. In femoral artery at pCa 5, neither phosphorylation (97%) nor force was affected by GTP gamma S, while at pCa greater than 8, GTP gamma S caused an increase in force (16% of maximum) with a borderline increase in MLC20 phosphorylation (from 20 to 27%). MLC20 phosphorylation (up to 100%) was positively correlated with force. The major results support the hypothesis that the G-protein coupled Ca2(+)-sensitizing effect of agonists on force development is secondary to increased MLC20 phosphorylation.     

Regulation by GDI of RhoA/Rho-kinase-induced Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle myosin II

We characterized the role of guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) in RhoA/Rho-kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle. Endogenous contents (approximately 2-4 microM) of RhoA and RhoGDI were near stoichiometric, whereas a supraphysiological GDI concentration was required to relax Ca2+ sensitization of force by GTP and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS). GDI also inhibited Ca2+ sensitization by GTP. G14V RhoA, by alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic agonists, and extracted RhoA from membranes. GTPgammaS translocated Rho-kinase to a Triton X-114-extractable membrane fraction. GTP. G14V RhoA complexed with GDI also induced Ca2+ sensitization, probably through in vivo dissociation of GTP. RhoA from the complex, because it was reversed by addition of excess GDI. GDI did not inhibit Ca2+ sensitization by phorbol ester. Constitutively active Cdc42 and Rac1 inhibited Ca2+ sensitization by GTP. G14V RhoA. We conclude that 1) the most likely in vivo function of GDI is to prevent perpetual "recycling" of GDP. RhoA to GTP. RhoA; 2) nucleotide exchange (GTP for GDP) on complexed GDP. RhoA/GDI can precede translocation of RhoA to the membrane; 3) activation of Rho-kinase exposes a hydrophobic domain; and 4) Cdc42 and Rac1 can inhibit Ca2+ sensitization by activated GTP. RhoA.     

Phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase by Ca2+-activated, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase

Protein kinase C incorporates phosphate into two sites of myosin light chain kinase (MLC-kinase) in the absence of calmodulin. Phosphorylation is all but abolished in the presence of Ca2+ and calmodulin, suggesting that both sites of phosphorylation are close to the calmodulin binding site. The phosphorylation of MLC-kinase results in an approximately 10-fold increase in the dissociation constant of MLC-kinase for calmodulin. Following phosphorylation (2 mol/mol of enzyme) of MLC-kinase by protein kinase C, an additional 2 mol of phosphate can be incorporated into the MLC-kinase apoenzyme by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. Different maps of phosphopeptides were obtained by tryptic hydrolysis from MLC-kinase preparations phosphorylated by each kinase. The phosphorylation sites for the cAMP-dependent kinase were located in a fragment of approximately 25,000 daltons. In contrast the phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C are found in a much smaller tryptic peptide. These results suggest that the phosphorylation sites on MLC-kinase are different for protein kinase C and for cAMP-dependent protein kinase. However, phosphorylation in both regions results in a reduced affinity for calmodulin.     

Intracellular alkalinization induces Ca2+ influx via non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

In smooth muscle, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) is the primary determinant of contraction, and the intracellular pH (pH(i)) modulates contractility. Using fura-2 and 2',7'-biscarboxyethyl-5(6) carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) fluorometry and rat aortic smooth muscle cells in primary culture, we investigated the effect of the increase in pH(i) on [Ca2+](i). The application of the NH(4)Cl induced concentration-dependent increases in both pH(i) and [Ca2+](i). The extent of [Ca2+](i) elevation induced by 20mM NH(4)Cl was approximately 50% of that obtained with 100mM K(+)-depolarization. The NH(4)Cl-induced elevation of [Ca2+](i) was completely abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ or the addition of extracellular Ni2+. The 100mM K(+)-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation was markedly inhibited by a voltage-operated Ca2+ channel blocker, diltiazem, and partly inhibited by a non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channel blocker, SKF96365. On the other hand, the NH(4)Cl-induced [Ca2+](i) elevation was resistant to diltiazem, but was markedly inhibited by SKF96365. It is thus concluded that intracellular alkalinization activates the Ca2+ influx via non-voltage-operated Ca2+ channels and thereby increases [Ca2+](i) in the vascular smooth muscle cells. The alkalinization-induced Ca2+ influx may therefore contribute to the enhancement of contraction.     

Rho kinase inhibitor HA-1077 prevents Rho-mediated myosin phosphatase inhibition in smooth muscle cells

In smooth muscle, a Rho-regulated systemof myosin phosphatase exists; however, it has yet to be establishedwhether Rho kinase, one of the downstream effectors of Rho, mediatesthe regulation of myosin phosphatase activity in vivo. In the presentstudy, we demonstrate in permeabilized vascular smooth muscle cells(SMCs) that the vasodilator 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-homopiperazine (HA-1077), which we show to be a potent inhibitor of Rho kinase, dosedependently inhibits Rho-mediated enhancement ofCa²⁺-induced 20-kDa myosin lightchain (MLC₂₀) phosphorylationdue to abrogating Rho-mediated inhibition ofMLC₂₀ dephosphorylation. By animmune complex phosphatase assay, we found that guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)(GTPS) stimulation of permeabilized SMCs caused a decrease in myosinphosphatase activity with an increase in the extent of phosphorylationof the 130-kDa myosin-binding regulatory subunit (MBS) of myosinphosphatase in a Rho-dependent manner. HA-1077 abolished both of theRho-mediated events. Moreover, we observed that the pleckstrinhomology/cystein-rich domain protein of Rho kinase, a dominant negativeinhibitor of Rho kinase, inhibited GTPS-induced phosphorylation ofMBS. These results provide direct in vivo evidence that Rho kinasemediates inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity with resultantenhancement of MLC₂₀phosphorylation in smooth muscle and reveal the usefulness of HA-1077as a Rho kinase inhibitor.

     

Ca2+-phospholipid dependent phosphorylation of smooth muscle myosin

Isolated myosin light chain from chicken gizzard has been shown to serve as a substrate for Ca²⁺-activated phospholipid-dependent protein kinase. Autoradiography showed that Ca²⁺-activated phospholipid-dependent protein kinase phosphorylated mainly the 20,000-dalton light chain of chicken gizzard myosin. Exogenously added calmodulin had no effect on myosin light chain phosphorylation catalyzed by the enzyme. The 20,000-dalton myosin light chain, both in the isolated form and in the whole myosin form, served as the substrate for this enzyme. In contrast to the isolated myosin light chain, the light chain of whole myosin was phosphorylated to a lesser extent by the Ca²⁺-activated phospholipid dependent kinase. Our results suggest the involvement of phospholipid in regulating Ca²⁺-dependent phosphorylation of the 20,000-dalton light chain of smooth muscle myosin.     

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase expression in cardiac and skeletal muscle

The purpose of this study was to characterize myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) expression in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The only classic MLCK detected in cardiac tissue, purified cardiac myocytes, and in a cardiac myocyte cell line (AT1) was identical to the 130-kDa smooth muscle MLCK (smMLCK). A complex pattern of MLCK expression was observed during differentiation of skeletal muscle in which the 220-kDa-long or "nonmuscle" form of MLCK is expressed in undifferentiated myoblasts. Subsequently, during myoblast differentiation, expression of the 220-kDa MLCK declines and expression of this form is replaced by the 130-kDa smMLCK and a skeletal muscle-specific isoform, skMLCK in adult skeletal muscle. These results demonstrate that the skMLCK is the only tissue-specific MLCK, being expressed in adult skeletal muscle but not in cardiac, smooth, or nonmuscle tissues. In contrast, the 130-kDa smMLCK is ubiquitous in all adult tissues, including skeletal and cardiac muscle, demonstrating that, although the 130-kDa smMLCK is expressed at highest levels in smooth muscle tissues, it is not a smooth muscle-specific protein.     

Characterization of protein kinase pathways responsible for Ca2+ sensitization in rat ileal longitudinal smooth muscle

We investigated the protein kinases responsible for myosin regulatory light chain (LC20) phosphorylation and regulation of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) activity during microcystin (phosphatase inhibitor)-induced contraction at low Ca2+ concentrations of rat ileal smooth muscle stretched in the longitudinal axis. Application of 1 microM microcystin induced LC20 diphosphorylation and contraction of beta-escin-permeabilized rat ileal smooth muscle at pCa 9. The PKC inhibitor GF-109203x, the MEK inhibitor PD-98059, and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 significantly reduced this contraction. These inhibitory effects were abolished when the microcystin concentration was increased to 10 muM, indicating that application of these kinase inhibitors generated an increase in MLCP activity. GF-109203x and PD-98059, but not SB-203580, significantly decreased the phosphorylation level of the myosin-targeting subunit of MLCP, MYPT1, at Thr-697 (rat sequence) during microcystin-induced contraction at pCa 9. On the other hand, SB-203580, but not GF-109203x or PD-98059, significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of the PKC-potentiated phosphatase inhibitor of 17 kDa (CPI-17). A zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) inhibitor (SM1 peptide) and a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor (Y-27632) had little effect on microcystin-induced contraction at pCa 9. In conclusion, PKC, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK pathways facilitate microcystin-induced contraction at low Ca2+ concentrations by contributing to the inhibition of MLCP activity either through phosphorylation of MYPT1 or CPI-17 [probably mediated by integrin-linked kinase (ILK)]. ILK and not ZIPK is likely to be the protein kinase responsible for LC20 diphosphorylation during microcystin-induced contraction of rat ileal smooth muscle at pCa 9, similar to its recently described role in vascular smooth muscle. The negative regulation of MLCP by PKC and MAPKs during microcystin-induced contraction at pCa 9, which is not observed in vascular smooth muscle, may be unique to phasic smooth muscle.     

Down-regulation of G-protein-mediated Ca2+ sensitization in smooth muscle.

Prolonged treatment with guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S; 5-16 h, 50 microM) of smooth muscle permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin down-regulated (abolished) the acute Ca2+ sensitization of force by GTP gamma S, AIF-4, phenylephrine, and endothelin, but not the response to phorbol dibutyrate or a phosphatase inhibitor, tautomycin. Down-regulation also abolished the GTP gamma S-induced increase in myosin light chain phosphorylation at constant [Ca2+] and was associated with extensive translocation of p21rhoA to the particulate fraction, prevented its immunoprecipitation, and inhibited its ADP ribosylation without affecting the immunodetectable content of G-proteins (p21rhoA, p21ras, G alpha q/11, G alpha i3, and G beta) or protein kinase C (types alpha, beta 1, beta 2, delta, epsilon, eta, theta, and zeta). We conclude that the loss of GTP gamma S- and agonist-induced Ca2+ sensitization through prolonged treatment with GTP gamma S is not due to a decrease in the total content of either trimeric (G alpha q/11, G alpha i3, and G beta) or monomeric (p21rhoA and p21ras) G-protein or protein kinase C but may be related to a structural change of p21rhoA and/or to down-regulation of its (yet to be identified) effector.     

Superoxide constricts rat pulmonary arteries via Rho-kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization

Reactive oxygen species play a key role in vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. We investigated contractile responses, intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i), Rho-kinase translocation, and phosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of myosin phosphatase (MYPT-1) and of myosin light chain (MLC₂₀) in response to LY83583, a generator of superoxide anion, in small intrapulmonary arteries (IPA) of rat. LY83583 caused concentration-dependent constrictions in IPA and greatly enhanced submaximal PGF_2α-mediated preconstriction. In small femoral or mesenteric arteries of rat, LY83583 alone was without effect, but it relaxed a PGF₂α-mediated preconstriction. Constrictions in IPA were inhibited by superoxide dismutase and tempol, but not catalase, and were endothelium and guanylate cyclase independent. Constrictions were also inhibited by the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y27632 and the Src-family kinase inhibitor SU6656. LY83583 did not raise [Ca²⁺]_i, but caused a Y27632-sensitive constriction in α-toxin-permeabilized IPA. LY83583 triggered translocation of Rho-kinase from the nucleus to the cytosol in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and enhanced phosphorylation of MYPT-1 at Thr-855 and of MLC₂₀ at Ser-19 in IPA. This enhancement was inhibited by superoxide dismutase and abolished by Y27632. Hydrogen peroxide did not activate Rho-kinase. We conclude that in rat small pulmonary artery, superoxide triggers Rho-kinase-mediated Ca²⁺ sensitization and vasoconstriction independent of hydrogen peroxide.     

A novel mechanism for the Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect of protein kinase C on vascular smooth muscle: inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase

Mechanisms of Ca2+ sensitization of both myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and force development by protein kinase C (PKC) were studied in permeabilized tonic smooth muscle obtained from the rabbit femoral artery. For comparison, the Ca2+ sensitizing effect of guanosine 5'-O-(gamma-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) was examined, which had been previously shown to inhibit MLC phosphatase in phasic vascular smooth muscle. We now report that PKC activators (phorbol esters, short chain synthetic diacylglycerols and a diacylglycerol kinase inhibitor) and GTP gamma S significantly increase both MLC phosphorylation and force development at constant [Ca2+]. Major phosphorylation site occurring in the presence of phorbol-12,13- dibutyrate (PDBu) or GTP gamma S at constant [Ca2+] is the same serine residue (Ser-19) as that phosphorylated by MLC kinase in response to increased Ca2+ concentrations. In an ATP- and Ca(2+)-free solution containing 1-(5-chloronaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4- diazepine (ML-9), to avoid the kinase activity, both PDBu and GTP gamma S significantly decreased the rate of MLC dephosphorylation to half its control value. However, PDBu inhibited the relaxation rate more than did GTP gamma S. In the presence of microcystin-LR to inhibit the phosphatase activity, neither PDBu nor GTP gamma S affected MLC phosphorylation and force development. These results indicate that PKC, like activation of GTP binding protein, increases Ca2+ sensitivity of both MLC phosphorylation and force production through inhibition of MLC phosphatase.     

Ca2+-activated K+ channel-associated phosphatase and kinase activities during development

In ovine basilar arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the fetal "big" Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel activity is significantly greater and has a lower Ca2+ setpoint than BK channels from adult cells. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that these differences result from developmentally regulated phosphorylation of these channels. Using the patch-clamp technique and a novel in situ enzymological approach, we measured the rates and extents of changes in BK channel voltage activation from SMC inside-out patch preparations in response to selective activation and inhibition of channel-associated protein phosphatases and kinases (CAPAKs). We show that BK channel activity is modulated during development by differential phosphorylation and that the activities of CAPAKs change substantially during development. In particular, excised membrane patches from adult SMCs exhibited greater protein kinase A activity than those from a fetus. In contrast, fetal SMCs exhibited greater protein kinase G activity and phosphatase activity than adult SMCs. These findings extend our previous observation that the BK channel Ca2+ setpoint differs significantly in adult and fetal cerebrovascular myocytes and suggest a biochemical mechanism for this difference. In addition, these findings suggest that the functional stoichiometry of CAPAKs varies significantly during development and that such variation may be a hitherto unrecognized mechanism of ion channel regulation.     

Possible involvement of Rho kinase in Ca2+ sensitization and mobilization by MCh in tracheal smooth muscle

We examined the effects of Rho kinase on contraction and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) in guinea pig trachealis by measuring isometric force and the fura 2 signal [340- to 380-nm fluorescence ratio (F340/F380)]. A Rho kinase inhibitor, Y-27632 (1-1,000 microM), inhibited methacholine (MCh)-induced contraction, with a reduction in F340/F380 in a concentration-dependent manner. The values of EC(50) for contraction and F340/F380 induced by 1 microM MCh with Y-27632 were 27.3 +/- 5.1 and 524.1 +/- 31.0 microM, respectively. With 0.1 microM MCh, the values for these parameters were decreased to 1.0 +/- 0.1 and 98.2 +/- 6.2 microM, respectively. Tension-F340/F380 curves for MCh indicated that Y-27632 caused an ~50% inhibition of MCh-induced contraction, without a reduction in F340/F380. These effects of Y-27632 were not inhibited by a protein kinase C inhibitor, GF-109203X. Our results indicate that inhibition of Rho kinase attenuates both Ca2+ sensitization and [Ca2+](i).     

Cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase signaling pathway inhibits RhoA-induced Ca2+ sensitization of contraction in vascular smooth muscle

The potent vasodilator action of cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK) involves decreasing the Ca(2+) sensitivity of contraction of smooth muscle via stimulation of myosin light chain phosphatase through unknown mechanisms (Wu, X., Somlyo, A. V., and Somlyo, A. P. (1996) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 220, 658-663). Myosin light chain phosphatase activity is controlled by the small GTPase RhoA and its target Rho kinase. Here we demonstrate cGMP effects mediated by cGK that inhibit RhoA-dependent Ca(2+) sensitization of contraction of blood vessels and actin cytoskeleton organization in cultured vascular myocytes. Ca(2+) sensitization and actin organization were inhibited by both 8-bromo-cGMP and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). SNP also caused translocation of activated RhoA from the membrane to the cytosol. SNP-induced actin disassembly was lost in vascular myocytes in culture after successive passages but was restored by transfection of cells with cGK I. Furthermore, cGK phosphorylated RhoA in vitro, and addition of cGK I inhibited RhoA-induced Ca(2+) sensitization in permeabilized smooth muscle. 8-Bromo-cGMP-induced actin disassembly was inhibited in vascular myocytes expressing RhoA(Ala-188), a mutant that could not be phosphorylated. Collectively, these results indicate that cGK phosphorylates and inhibits RhoA and suggest that the consequent inhibition of RhoA-induced Ca(2+) sensitization and actin cytoskeleton organization contributes to the vasodilator action of nitric oxide.     

The Ca2+ -activated protease (calpain) modulates Ca2+/calmodulin dependent activity of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase

The Ca2+ -activated neutral protease can proteolyze both Ca2+ -dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase. Ca2+ -dependent cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from rat brain was converted to the Ca2+ -independent active form by Ca2+ -activated protease. The proteolytic effects on myosin light chain kinase of Ca2+-activated protease differed in the presence and absence of the Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM) complex. In the presence of bound CaM, myosin light chain kinase (130k dalton) was degradated to a major fragment of 62 kDa, which had Ca2+/CaM-dependent enzyme and CaM-binding activity. When digestion occurred in the absence of bound CaM, myosin light chain kinase cleaved to a fragment of 60 kDa. This peptide had no enzymatic activity in the presence or absence of the Ca2+-CaM complex. Available evidence suggests that the Ca2+-activated proteases may recognize the conformational change of smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase induced by Ca2+-CaM complex.     

Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle contractility induced by ruthenium red

The effects ofruthenium red (RuR) on contractility were examined in skinned fibers ofguinea pig smooth muscles, where sarcoplasmic reticulum function wasdestroyed by treatment with A-23187. Contractions of skinned fibers ofthe urinary bladder were enhanced by RuR in a concentration-dependentmanner (EC₅₀ = 60 µM at pCa6.0). The magnitude of contraction at pCa 6.0 was increased to 320% ofcontrol by 100 µM RuR. Qualitatively, the same results were obtainedin skinned fibers prepared from the ileal longitudinal smooth musclelayer and mesenteric artery. The maximal contraction induced by pCa 4.5 was not affected significantly by RuR. The enhanced contraction by RuRwas not reversed by the addition of guanosine5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) or a peptideinhibitor of protein kinase C [PKC-(1931)]. Theapplication of microcystin, a potent protein phosphatase inhibitor,induced a tonic contraction of skinned smooth muscle at lowCa²⁺ concentration([Ca²⁺]; pCa > 8.0).RuR had a dual effect on the microcystin-induced contraction-to-enhancement ratio at low concentrations and suppression at highconcentrations. The relaxation following the decrease in[Ca²⁺] from pCa 5.0 to>8.0 was significantly slowed down by an addition of RuR.Phosphorylation of the myosin light chain at pCa 6.3 was significantlyincreased by RuR in skinned fibers of the guinea pig ileum. Theseresults indicate that RuR markedly increases theCa²⁺ sensitivity of thecontractile system, at least in part via inhibition of myosin lightchain phosphatase.