TRPC6 is a candidate channel involved in receptor-stimulated cation currents in A7r5 smooth muscle cells.

To investigate the possible role of members of the mammalian transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family (TRPC1-7) in vasoconstrictor-induced Ca(2+) entry in vascular smooth muscle cells, we studied [Arg(8)]-vasopressin (AVP)-activated channels in A7r5 aortic smooth muscle cells. AVP induced an increase in free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) consisting of Ca(2+) release and Ca(2+) influx. Whole cell recordings revealed the activation of a nonselective cation current with a doubly rectifying current-voltage relation strikingly similar to those described for some heterologously expressed TRPC isoforms. The current was also stimulated by direct activation of G proteins as well as by activation of the phospholipase Cgamma-coupled platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Currents were not activated by store depletion or increased [Ca(2+)](i). Application of 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol stimulated the current independently of protein kinase C, a characteristic property of the TRPC3/6/7 subfamily. Like TRPC6-mediated currents, cation currents in A7r5 cells were increased by flufenamate. Northern hybridization revealed mRNA coding for TRPC1 and TRPC6. We therefore suggest that TRPC6 is a molecular component of receptor-stimulated Ca(2+)-permeable cation channels in A7r5 smooth muscle cells.