Dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonists and antagonists potentiate ultraviolet light-induced relaxation through cyclic GMP formation in porcine coronary artery.

Abstract

We investigated the mechanisms of dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonist potentiation of ultraviolet (UV) light-induced smooth muscle relaxation in porcine coronary artery rings. Rings contracted with the dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonist, (+)-S-202-791, were more sensitive to relaxation in response to UV light than were rings contracted with KCl or histamine. Relaxation of (+)-S-202-791-contracted rings was independent of the presence of endothelium and was associated with cyclic GMP formation. Methylene blue (MB) prevented UV light-induced relaxation and cyclic GMP formation. UV light-induced relaxation of histamine and KCl contracted rings and cyclic GMP formation were potentiated by (+)-S-202-791 or the Ca2+ channel antagonist, (-)-R-202-791. Exposure of (+)-S-202-791 to UV light decreased its contractile potency. The data suggest that UV light-induced relaxation of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) is mediated through cyclic GMP formation and that potentiation of UV light-induced relaxation by dihydropyridine Ca2+ channel agonists results from their breakdown to a compound(s) that activates guanylate cyclase.