MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF CALCIUM DEPENDENT ACTIVE CONTRACTION IN A GASTROINTESTINAL SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL

A mathematical model to study the relationship between intracellular calcium concentration and active contraction in gastric smooth muscle cells has been developed. Gastric motility is brought about by the co-ordinated contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle. First, contraction triggered by calcium dependent activation of Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) which is the primary mechanism has been described in terms of two interacting modules - the first module describing the activation of MLCK, and the second describing cross-bridge formation between actin and myosin. Second, a hypothesis of activation of Myosin Light Chain Phosphatase (MLCP) for rapid relaxation has been tested and modelled. Third, calcium desensitization has been modelled by describing two secondary regulatory pathways ¿ (i) enhanced activation of MLCP and (ii) down regulation of MLCK activation through its phosphorylation. The model has been simulated with experimental calcium data, and the force behaviors have been predicted and compared to experimental results.

Author dc:creator

• VIVEKA GAJENDIRAN

• Smooth Muscle,Phasic Contraction,Electro-mechanical coupling,Myosin light chain kinase,Myosin light chain phosphatase, Mathematical model.