Biomaterial Database

Alterations in cytoplasmic calcium sensitivity during porcine coronary artery contractions as detected by aequorin. 1987

A B Bradley, and K G Morgan

Charles A. Dana Research Institutes, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.

1. Intracellular-Ca2+-force relationships were investigated in porcine epicardial coronary arteries by the simultaneous measurement of aequorin luminescence and isometric force. 2. In response to K+ depolarization and histamine, force and aequorin light rose monophasically. In response to carbachol and serotonin, tonic contractions were accompanied by biphasic aequorin signals consisting of an initial spike followed by a low plateau. Contractions produced by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) or the endoperoxide analogue U-46619 were accompanied by little or no detectable rise in light. 3. Comparison of steady-state force to steady-state light levels indicated that agonists gave greater force for a given intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) compared to that seen during K+ contractures. 4. In Ca2+-free bathing media, carbachol produced a transient contraction accompanied by a transient intracellular Ca2+ spike indicating release of Ca2+ from intracellular storage sites. 5. In Ca2+-free bathing media PGF2 alpha produced a tonic contraction with no detectable change in light. 6. These results suggest that changes in the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to Ca2+ or other activator systems may be as important a mechanism of contraction as are changes in [Ca2+]i.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007537	Isometric Contraction	Muscular contractions characterized by increase in tension without change in length.	Contraction, Isometric,Contractions, Isometric,Isometric Contractions
D008297	Male		Males
D009131	Muscle, Smooth, Vascular	The nonstriated involuntary muscle tissue of blood vessels.	Vascular Smooth Muscle,Muscle, Vascular Smooth,Muscles, Vascular Smooth,Smooth Muscle, Vascular,Smooth Muscles, Vascular,Vascular Smooth Muscles
D011460	Prostaglandins F	(9 alpha,11 alpha,13E,15S)-9,11,15-Trihydroxyprost-13-en-1-oic acid (PGF(1 alpha)); (5Z,9 alpha,11,alpha,13E,15S)-9,11,15-trihydroxyprosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGF(2 alpha)); (5Z,9 alpha,11 alpha,13E,15S,17Z)-9,11,15-trihydroxyprosta-5,13,17-trien-1-oic acid (PGF(3 alpha)). A family of prostaglandins that includes three of the six naturally occurring prostaglandins. All naturally occurring PGF have an alpha configuration at the 9-carbon position. They stimulate uterine and bronchial smooth muscle and are often used as oxytocics.	PGF
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D003331	Coronary Vessels	The veins and arteries of the HEART.	Coronary Arteries,Sinus Node Artery,Coronary Veins,Arteries, Coronary,Arteries, Sinus Node,Artery, Coronary,Artery, Sinus Node,Coronary Artery,Coronary Vein,Coronary Vessel,Sinus Node Arteries,Vein, Coronary,Veins, Coronary,Vessel, Coronary,Vessels, Coronary
D003593	Cytoplasm	The part of a cell that contains the CYTOSOL and small structures excluding the CELL NUCLEUS; MITOCHONDRIA; and large VACUOLES. (Glick, Glossary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1990)	Protoplasm,Cytoplasms,Protoplasms
D000331	Aequorin	A photoprotein isolated from the bioluminescent jellyfish Aequorea. It emits visible light by an intramolecular reaction when a trace amount of calcium ion is added. The light-emitting moiety in the bioluminescence reaction is believed to be 2-amino-3-benzyl-5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)pyrazine (AF-350).	Aequorine
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013552	Swine	Any of various animals that constitute the family Suidae and comprise stout-bodied, short-legged omnivorous mammals with thick skin, usually covered with coarse bristles, a rather long mobile snout, and small tail. Included are the genera Babyrousa, Phacochoerus (wart hogs), and Sus, the latter containing the domestic pig (see SUS SCROFA).	Phacochoerus,Pigs,Suidae,Warthogs,Wart Hogs,Hog, Wart,Hogs, Wart,Wart Hog