Ion channels in smooth muscle: regulation by the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria

In smooth muscle, Ca(2+) regulates cell division, growth and cell death as well as providing the main trigger for contraction. Ion channels provide the major access route to elevate the cytoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration (Ca(2+)](c)) in smooth muscle by permitting Ca(2+) entry across the plasma membrane and release of the ion from intracellular Ca(2+) stores. The control of Ca(2+)](c) relies on feedback modulation of the entry and release channels by Ca(2+) itself. Local rises in Ca(2+)](c) may promote or inhibit channel activity directly or indirectly. The latter may arise from Ca(2+) regulation of ionic conductances in the plasma membrane to provide control of cell excitability and so Ca(2+)](c) entry. Organelles such as mitochondria may also contribute significantly to the feedback regulation of ion channel activity by the control of Ca(2+) or redox status of the cell. This brief review describes the feedback regulation of Ca(2+) release from the internal Ca(2+) store and of plasma membrane excitability in smooth muscle.