Ca2+ sparks and K(Ca) channels: novel mechanisms to relax urinary bladder smooth muscle.
Negative feedback pathways that relax and stabilize UBSM are critical to the proper functioning of the urinary bladder. The complex interactions between K(Ca) channels and RyRs are just beginning to be unraveled. The consequences of SK, BK, and RyR dysfunction would increase cell excitability and lead to urinary bladder instability. Although each of these channels is a potential target for the development of therapeutics to treat urinary incontinence, SK is of special interest, since this SK isoform does not appear to be present in vascular smooth muscle.
Heppner
Thomas J
TJ
Department of Pharmacology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA.
Herrera
Gerald M
GM
Bonev
Adrian D
AD
Hill-Eubanks
David
D
Nelson
Mark T
MT
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000502:physiology; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000502:physiology*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000502:physiology*
D015220:Calcium Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels