Characterization of Contractile Machinery of Vascular Smooth Muscles in Hypertension

Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and it is a growing public health problem worldwide. The pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction contribute to the development of hypertension. Calcium (Ca2+)-dependent and -independent signaling mechanisms regulate the balance of the myosin light chain kinase and myosin light chain phosphatase to induce myosin phosphorylation, which activates VSM contraction to control blood pressure (BP). Here, we discuss the mechanism of the contractile machinery in VSM, especially RhoA/Rho kinase and PKC/CPI-17 of Ca2+ sensitization pathway in hypertension. The two signaling pathways affect BP in physiological and pathophysiological conditions and are highlighted in pulmonary, pregnancy, and salt-sensitive hypertension.

Automated summary

Hypertension is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is linked to the contractile machinery in vascular smooth muscle. Different signaling pathways regulate blood pressure by controlling myosin phosphorylation, with implications for physiological and pathophysiological conditions of hypertension.