Involvement of erythropoietin-induced cytosolic free calcium mobilization in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract

These findings suggest that rHuEPO increases [Ca2+]i by both Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Tyrosine phosphorylation is critical in the regulation of [Ca2+]i, but protein kinase C activation is important only in the regulation of Ca2+ influx. Dihydropyridine-sensitive L-type Ca2+ channels seem to be involved in rHuEPO-induced Ca2+ influx. In addition, increase of [Ca2+]i by rHuEPO stimulates MAP kinase activation and DNA synthesis in VSMC.