Role of [iPLA.sub.2] and store-operated channels in agonist-induced [Ca.sup.2+] influx and constriction in cerebral, mesenteric, and carotid arteries

Store-operated channels (SOC) and store-operated [Ca.sup.2+] entry are known to play a major role in agonist-induced constriction of smooth muscle cells (SMC) in conduit vessels. In microvessels the role of SOC remains uncertain, in as much as voltage-gated L-type [Ca.sup.2+] ([Ca.sup.2+.sub.L]) channels are thought to be fully responsible for agonist-induced [Ca.sup.2+] influx and vasoconstriction. We present evidence that SOC and their activation via a [Ca.sup.2+] -independent phospholipase [A.sub.2] ([iPLA.sub.2])-mediated pathway play a crucial role in agonist-induced constriction of cerebral, mesenteric, and carotid arteries. Intracellular [Ca.sup.2+] in SMC and intraluminal diameter were measured simultaneously in intact pressurized vessels in vitro. We demonstrated that 1) [Ca.sup.2+] and contractile responses to phenylephrine (PE) in cerebral and carotid arteries were equally abolished by nimodipine (a [Ca.sup.2.sub.L+] inhibitor) and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (an inhibitor of SOC), suggesting that SOC and [Ca.sup.2.sub.L+] channels may be involved in agonist-induced constriction of cerebral arteries, and 2) functional inhibition of [iPLA.sub.2][beta] totally inhibited PE-induced [Ca.sup.2+] influx and constriction in cerebral, mesenteric, and carotid arteries, whereas [K.sup.+]-induced [Ca.sup.2+] influx and vasoconstriction mediated by [Ca.sup.2+.sub.L] channels were not affected. Thus [iPLA.sub.2]-dependent activation of SOC is crucial for agonist-induced [Ca.sup.2+] influx and vasoconstriction in cerebral, mesenteric, and carotid arteries. We propose that, on PE-induced depletion of [Ca.sup.2+] stores, nonselective SOC are activated via an [iPLA.sub.2]-dependent pathway and may produce a depolarization of SMC, which could trigger a secondary activation of [Ca.sup.2+.sub.L] channels and lead to [Ca.sup.2+] entry and vasoconstriction. store-operated calcium entry; smooth muscle cells; constriction