Myosin Phosphorylation and the Cross-Bridge Cycle in Arterial Smooth Muscle

Abstract

Phosphorylation of the 20,000-dalton light chain of myosin is closely correlated with cross-bridge cycling in arterial smooth muscle. Evidence is presented that dephosphorylation can produce an attached, noncycling cross-bridge (latch-bridge) which is responsible for the high economy of force maintenance in this tissue.