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      Contractile System Function in Mammalian Smooth Muscle

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          Abstract

          The literature on the classical mechanical properties of geometrically simple mammalian smooth muscle preparations is analyzed in an attempt to characterize the contractile system. Although the physiological behavior of smooth muscle is diverse, indices of contractile system function suggest there is considerable uniformity at this level. Compared to vertebrate striated muscles, smooth muscle tissues and possibly individual cells (i) often develop equal or greater maximum isometric force/cell cross-sectional area, with (ii) low and fairly uniform maximum shortening velocities, and (iii) operate over a range of lengths which may be no greater than the potential in striated muscle. Few details are known of filament structure, organization, interactions, and of force transmission in comparison with the extensive information on the contractile unit (sarcomere) for striated muscle. Consequently, tissue or cellular mechanical parameters may not be directly proportional to the output of the myofilamental contractile unit in smooth muscle. A sliding filament mechanism involving actin-myosin interactions qualitatively similar to those in striated muscle seems probable. However, there are important quantitative differences in the contractile apparatus which may be related to functional properties.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          JVR
          J Vasc Res
          10.1159/issn.1018-1172
          Journal of Vascular Research
          S. Karger AG
          1018-1172
          1423-0135
          1976
          1976
          18 September 2008
          : 13
          : 1-2
          : 1-23
          Affiliations
          Department of Physiology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Va.
          Article
          158076 Blood Vessels 1976;13:1–23
          10.1159/000158076
          674e9a9b-68b8-4186-af4b-7fe64ce6b382
          © 1976 S. Karger AG, Basel

          Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

          History
          : 23 January 1975
          : 23 April 1975
          Page count
          Pages: 23
          Categories
          Review

          General medicine,Neurology,Cardiovascular Medicine,Internal medicine,Nephrology
          Smooth muscle mechanics,Tissue elasticity,Smooth muscle models,Force-velocity relation,Sliding filaments,Length-force relation

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