Contribution of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake and L-type calcium channels to altered vascular responsiveness in the aorta of renal hypertensive rats.

This study examined whether alterations in intracellular or extracellular Ca2+ mobilization were related to differences in caffeine and phenylephrine (PHE)-induced contractions between two-kidney. one-clip hypertensive (2K-1C) and normotensive (2K) rat aortas. After depletion and reloading of intracellular Ca2+ stores, caffeine and PHE-induced contractions in Ca2+-free solution were increased in 2K-1C. Thapsigargin reduced the contraction to caffeine in 2K-1C and 2K with similar sensitivity. PHE-induced contraction in 1.6-mM Ca2+ solution was decreased in 2K-1C, and nifedipine was less effective in lowering this response. The responsiveness to extracellular Ca2+ was decreased in 2K-1C hypertensive rat aortas. Our results indicate an increased intracellular Ca2+ stores that are not related to alteration in Ca2+-ATPase function and a lower contribution of L-type channels to the contraction of 2K-1C aortas.