Na+/K+ ATPase mediates rhythmic spontaneous relaxations in canine airway smooth muscle

In canine airway smooth muscle, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; selective blocker of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-pump) evokes a contractile response which is initially mediated via release of internally sequestered Ca2+, but is later supported almost exclusively by electromechanical coupling. As such, this second component is highly sensitive to inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca(2+)-influx (e.g. dihydropyridines, removal of external Ca2+) or to …