Abstract

In smooth muscle, Ca 2+ regulates cell division, growth and cell death as well as providing the main trigger for contraction. Ion channels provide the major access route to elevate the cytoplasmic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+] c) in smooth muscle by permitting Ca 2+ entry across the plasma membrane and release of the ion from intracellular Ca 2+ stores. The control of [Ca 2+] c relies on feedback modulation of the entry and release channels by Ca 2+ itself. Local rises in [Ca 2+] c may promote or inhibit channel activity directly or indirectly. The latter may arise from Ca 2+ regulation of ionic conductances in the plasma membrane to provide control of cell excitability and so [Ca 2+] c entry. Organelles such as mitochondria may also contribute significantly to the feedback regulation of ion channel activity by the control of Ca 2+ or redox status of the cell. This brief review describes the feedback regulation of Ca 2+ release from the internal Ca 2+ store and of plasma membrane excitability in smooth muscle.

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