Stretch-activated nonselective cation channels in urinary bladder myocytes: importance for pacemaker potentials and myogenic response

EXS. 1993:66:93-9. doi: 10.1007/978-3-0348-7327-7_6.

Abstract

Filling of the bladder with urine stretches the myocytes in the wall. Stretch activates nonselective cation channels (SACs) thereby constituting a pacemaking mechanism. Once action potentials are triggered, Ca2+ influx through nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels provides activator Ca2+ for the stretch-induced increase in wall tension (myogenic response). An additional component of myogenic response is independent of nifedipine and membrane potential; Ca2+ influx through SACs is large enough to induce Ca2+ release from intracellular stores.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / physiology*
  • Cations / metabolism
  • Cations / pharmacology
  • Gadolinium / pharmacology
  • Guinea Pigs
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Ion Channel Gating / drug effects
  • Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Magnesium / pharmacology
  • Muscle, Smooth / physiology*
  • Nifedipine / pharmacology
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Urinary Bladder / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Cations
  • Ion Channels
  • Gadolinium
  • Magnesium
  • Nifedipine
  • Calcium