In:
Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, Canadian Science Publishing, Vol. 88, No. 1 ( 2010-01), p. 1-8
Abstract:
Calcium is the major intracellular messenger that triggers smooth muscle contraction. The study of calcium-binding proteins, such as calmodulin and its downstream effectors, reveals critical regulation of smooth muscle contraction by protein kinases and phosphatases. Moreover, the small GTP-binding protein RhoA and its downstream effector protein, Rho-kinase, have been shown to play a novel role in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction. Studies have shown that the activation of Rho-kinase is involved in the development of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, restenosis, and increased vascular tone in a number of cardiovascular disorders. Because inhibitors of this pathway promote vasodilation independent of the mechanism that increases vasoconstrictor tone, it is our hypothesis that Rho-kinase is constitutively active in regulating vasoconstrictor tone in the pulmonary and systemic vascular beds. Studies in the literature suggest that the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway has an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0008-4212
,
1205-7541
Language:
English
Publisher:
Canadian Science Publishing
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2004356-9
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