High-Energy Phosphate Metabolism in Vascular Smooth Muscle

Studies on the energetics of smooth muscle contraction historically have lagged behind those on striated muscle. It is now apparent that through the use of techniques similar to those applied to striated muscle, significant information can be gained concerning the mechanism of transduction of high-energy phosphate breakdown into a mechanical output in smooth muscle. Some aspects of energy metabolism are similar in smooth and striated muscles, but there are certain major differences that are consistent with the functional specialization of the two muscle types. The emphasis of this chapter is to describe the relationships among mechanical output, high-energy phosphate utilization, and intermediary metabolism during smooth muscle contraction.