Biopolymers and cell. 1996; 12 (4): 5 - 24

Biochemical mechanisms of smooth muscle contraction regulation

V.M.Danilova

In the review the analysis of the last achievement in the field of biochemistry and molecular physiology of contraction processes in smooth muscle are presented. Smooth muscle contraction involves myosin phos-phorylation. This process is associated with intracellular Ca + influx followed by Ca2+-caltnodulin complex formation and myosin light chain kinase activation. The relaxation is provided by dephosphorylation of myosin through the agency of myosin light chain phosphatase. Dephosphorylation process is suggested not to be regulated. Other possible regulatory mechanisms include such thin filament linked proteins as caldes-monandcalponin.