Calcium channel activity and force regulation in smooth muscle: Effects of polyamines and growth stimulation.
The initial signal for contraction in smooth muscle is an increase in [Ca2+]i. Ca2+ ions can either enter the cytosol from the extracellular medium or be released from intracellular stores. Voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOC) play a dominant role in the activation of smooth muscle contraction. This thesis describes two novel regulatory mechanisms of the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive VOC in smoo
