Ca2+-Sensitization of contraction in the h1 calponin-deficient smooth muscle.

ABSTRACT

Role of h1 calponin on Ca2+-sensitivity of smooth muscle contraction was investigated using h1 calponin gene-deficient mice (CP -/-) and wild type mice (CP +/+). PGF2. induced a comparable force in intact aorta of CP +/+ and CP -/-. DPB showed similar effects to PGF2alpha. In membrane-permeabilized ileal smooth muscle, PDBu enhanced Ca2+-sensitivity of contraction comparably in CP +/+ and CP -/-. GTPgamma-S showed similar effects. Our results suggest that h1 calponin does not regulate Ca2+-sensitivity in the contractile mechanism of smooth muscle.