Vascular Smooth Muscle
Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are a type of smooth muscle cell present in blood vessel walls and are key components in the medial layer of arteries. The primary function of VSMCs is the vasoconstriction and vasodilation of blood vessels. This process of constriction and relaxation controls blood pressure and the volume of blood vessels throughout the cardiovascular system.
Unlike cardiac and skeletal muscle, smooth muscle uses calcium and the calcium-binding protein calmodulin (CaM) to activate contraction. However, the removal of calcium does not directly cause vasodilation. Therefore, the regulation of calcium entry into the cell is essential in limiting vasoconstriction. Extracellular calcium entry can be countered through the activation of potassium channels.
R&D Systems offers a wide range of products and services for research of VSMCs and associated cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and atherosclerosis.