Online

Layne, Jeff

Pharmacology

2007

PhD

Interestingly, TEA-sensitive K[subscript letter v] currents, and expression of the pore-forming K[subscript letter v]2.1 subunit, were increased in the NFATc3-null myocytes. However, the increased contractile response of UBSM strips from NFATc3-null mice indicates that, at least in response to electrical field stimulation, the downregulation of BK current plays a more significant role than does the increase in K[subscript letter v] current. Presumably, this is due to the prominent role that BK channels play in shaping the UBSM action potential. Thus, this dissertation provides evidence that NFAT plays a role in modulating smooth muscle contractility via its role in regulating the expression of contractile proteins and ion channels and, furthermore, lays the foundation for future investigations into the specific role of NFAT in the pathological response of the urinary bladder to outlet obstruction.