Studies on isolated smooth muscle cells. III. Calcium contraction of isolated cells from Vas deferens of guinea pig.

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Abstract
The mode of Ca contraction of isolated smooth muscle cells from vas deferens of guinea pig was investigated. The cells were prepared by treatment of the vas deferens with collagenase followed by mechanical agitation. The isolated cells were made to contract by administration of Ca2+ while depolarized. The degree of the contraction in each cell was not dependent on the concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]) but it seemed to be an all-or-none-like response, while contraction of the whole tissue was a graded response. Each cell had a different sensitivity to Ca2+, and the total number of contracting cells increased with increase in [Ca2+] in the incubation medium. The rate of the contraction in each cell was dependent on temperature. The contraction was inhibited by ruthenium red, but not by 2,4-dinitrophenol. The cells were also made to contract by Sr2+ and Ba2+.