The reverse mode of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger provides a source of Ca2+ for store refilling following agonist-induced Ca2+ mobilization

Agonist-induced contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) can be triggered by an elevation in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, primarily through the release of Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The refilling of the SR is integral for subsequent contractions. It has been suggested that Ca(2+) entry via store-operated cation (SOC) and receptor-operated cation channels may facilitate refilling of the SR. Indeed, depletion of the …