Studies on Isolated Smooth Muscle Cells. III. Calcium Contraction of Isolated Cells from Vas Deferens of Guinea Pig

Abstract

Mode of calcium contraction of isolated smooth muscle cells from vas deferens of guinea pig was investigated. The cells were prepared by treatment of the vas deferens with collagenase followed by mechanical agitation. The isolated cells were contracted by administration of calcium ions under the depolarized condition. Degree of the contraction in each cell was not dependent on concentration of calcium but it seemed to be all-or-none like response while contraction of the whole tissue was graded response. The each cell had different sensitivity to calcium ions and total number of contracted cells increased with increase in concentration of calcium in the incubation medium. Rate of the contraction in each cell was dependent on temperature. The contraction was inhibited by ruthenium red but not by 2, 4-dinitrophenol. The cells were also contracted by strontium and barium ions.