Nitric Oxide-Induced Decrease in Calcium Sensitivity of Resistance Arteries Is Attributable to Activation of the Myosin Light Chain Phosphatase and Antagonized by the RhoA/Rho Kinase Pathway

Abstract

NO dilates RA by activating the MLCP in a cGMP-dependent manner, thereby reducing the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. MLCP inactivation via the RhoA/Rho kinase pathway antagonizes this Ca2+-desensitizing effect that, in turn, can be restored using RhoA/Rho kinase inhibitors.