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Current Concepts on Mechanisms of Force Generation in Airways Smooth Muscle

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Airways Smooth Muscle: Biochemical Control of Contraction and Relaxation

Part of the book series: Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy ((RPP))

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Abstract

At the biochemical level, agonist-induced force generation of airways and other smooth muscles can be divided into two components: a rapid increase in force which occurs seconds after the addition of a spasmogen followed by, or maybe partly coincident with, a slower, tonic, well maintained contracture. This chapter reviews how airways smooth muscle (ASM) generates force, the contractile proteins involved and their regulation by second and third messenger molecules. Current hypotheses regarding the biochemical basis of force maintenance in ASM is the subject of chapter 6 of this volume.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Brompton National Heart & Lung Institute, London, UK

    Mark A. Giembycz

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  1. Mark A. Giembycz
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department Head Discovery Biology, RhĂ´ne-Poulenc Rorer Ltd, Dagenham Research Centre, RM10 7XS, Dagenham, Essex, England

    David Raeburn

  2. Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Brompton National Heart and Lung Institute, Dovehouse Street, SW3 6LY, London, England

    Mark A. Giembycz (Lecturer) (Lecturer)

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© 1994 Springer Basel AG

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Giembycz, M.A. (1994). Current Concepts on Mechanisms of Force Generation in Airways Smooth Muscle. In: Raeburn, D., Giembycz, M.A. (eds) Airways Smooth Muscle: Biochemical Control of Contraction and Relaxation. Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7681-0_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-7681-0_3

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-7683-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-7681-0

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