Ca2+-Dependent and independent mechanisms of sustained contraction in vascular smooth muscle of rat aorta.

Abstract
Norepinephrine (NE), prostaglandin F (PG), 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate (DPB) and high K+ induced sustained increase in cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and muscle tension in rat aorta. Verapamil, at the concentration which abolished the high K+-induced changes, also abolished the increase in [Ca2+]i due to NE, PG and DPB although contractions were only partially inhibited. Excess EGTA further decreased [Ca2+]i although a part of the contraction was not inhibited. These results indicate that the sustained contractions induced by NE, PG and DPB are due to increase in [Ca2+]i, increase in Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements, and a Ca2+-independent mechanism.

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