In human resistance arteries the role of intracellular calcium during receptor agonist and nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasorelaxation is almost unknown. We examined changes in smooth muscle calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) caused by acetylcholine and the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) in isolated human subcutaneous small arteries. In arteries constricted with 50 mM KCl, acetylcholine and SNAP induced relaxation without any change in [Ca2+]i, whereas in noradrenaline constricted vessels, both acetylcholine and to a lesser degree also SNAP-mediated relaxation were associated with a decrease in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore incubation with SNAP (1 microM) induced a rightward shift in the [Ca2+]i-force relationship. These results suggest that relaxation mediated by endothelium derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF) is associated with reduction in [Ca2+]i, whereas NO-mediated relaxation can take place without changes in [Ca2+]i. This finding seems to be, at least partly, due to NO-mediated desensitization of the contractile apparatus to calcium.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.01.061 | DOI Listing |
ACS Biomater Sci Eng
January 2025
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China.
Vascular calcification severely disrupts cardiovascular hemodynamics, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite their clinical impact, the development of effective treatments remains limited, underscoring an urgent need for efficient and reliable drug screening methods. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are known to play a central role in driving the calcification process, undergoing an osteogenic transition in response to pathological conditions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld J Biol Psychiatry
January 2025
Division of Genetics, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Background: Genes associated with global developmental delay (GDD) and intellectual disability (ID) are increasingly being identified through next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. This study aimed to identify novel mutations in GDD/ID phenotypes through whole-exome sequencing (WES) and additional analyses.
Material And Methods: WES was performed on 27 subjects, among whom 18 were screened for potential novel mutations.
Vet Sci
January 2025
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
Ghrelin (GhRL) is an orexigenic hormone influenced by nutritional state. It plays a role in skin repair and diseases, though little information exists regarding its function in this organ. GhRL and its receptor were investigated in the skin of sheep under different feeding conditions to explore GhRL system presence and possible modifications due to diet.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetabolites
January 2025
The College of Nursing, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
Background: Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common postoperative clinical complication that significantly affects postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life in patients and can even produce secondary complications, leading to serious consequences. External treatment using Shenhuang Plaster (SHP) (Shenque acupoint administration) has definite effects and unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of POI, but its mechanism is not completely clear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic mechanism behind the effect of Shenhuang Plaster applied to the Shenque acupoint on gastrointestinal motility in POI mice based on metabolomics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomimetics (Basel)
January 2025
School of Engineering, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK.
Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are flexible actuators that can be contracted or expanded by applying air pressure. They are used in robotics, prosthetics, and other applications requiring flexible and compliant actuation. PAMs are basically designed to mimic the function of biological muscles, providing a high force-to-weight ratio and smooth, lifelike movement.
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