Sensitization refers to an increase in contraction force at a fixed [Ca2+]i value. The abstract links it to MLCP inhibition, thin-filament protein phosphorylation, and small G-protein signaling.
First-pass extracted concept
calcium sensitization of smooth muscle contractile apparatus
Candidate: concept label1 source documents4 linked claims
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Aliases
sensitization
Extracted Explainers
Evidence Snippets
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Linked Claims
Sensitization and desensitization are defined as increased or decreased contraction force, respectively, at fixed intracellular calcium concentration.
Quoted textsource-backed
Such modifications induce, at a fixed [Ca2+]i value, either an increase (referred to as sensitization) or a decrease (desensitization) of the contraction force.
Activation of small monomeric G-proteins such as rho or ras is involved in smooth muscle calcium sensitization.
Quoted textsource-backed
Activation of small (monomeric) G-proteins such as rho or ras is also involved.
Phosphorylation of the thin-filament-associated proteins caldesmon and calponin increases calcium sensitivity of the smooth muscle contractile apparatus.
Quoted textsource-backed
In addition, phosphorylation of thin filament-associated proteins, caldesmon and calponin, increases CaSCA.
Smooth muscle calcium sensitization primarily results from inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase by intracellular messengers such as arachidonic acid or protein kinase C.
Quoted textsource-backed
Sensitization primarily results from the inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) by intracellular messengers such as arachidonic acid or protein kinase C.