title: Calcium ion homeostasis in smooth muscle.
abstract: Ca2+ plays an important role in the regulation of smooth-muscle contraction. In this review, we will focus on the various Ca(2+)-transport processes that contribute to the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Mainly the functional aspects will be covered. The smooth-muscle inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor will be extensively discussed. Smooth-muscle contraction also depends on extracellular Ca2+ and both voltage- and Ca(2+)-release-activated plasma-membrane Ca2+ channels will be reviewed. We will finally discuss some functional properties of the Ca2+ pumps that remove Ca2+ from the cytoplasm and of the Ca2+ regulation of the nucleus.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorium voor Fysiologie, K. U. Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Missiaen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: De Smedt
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Droogmans
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Himpens
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casteels
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D003600:Cytosol / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002118:Calcium