Smooth Muscle Can Contract Without a Change in Membrane Potential

Question

Smooth muscle can contract without a change in membrane potential after: A)Stimulation of $\beta$-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscle. B)Inhibition of Rho kinase in the smooth muscle. C)Stimulation of InsP3 production in the smooth muscle. D)Stimulation of nitric oxide release from endothelial cells. E)Stimulation of K⁺ channels in the smooth muscle.

Accepted Answer

Stimulation of InsP3 (Inositol trisphosphate) production in smooth muscle leads to the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which can trigger contraction without a change in membrane potential. This is because InsP3 directly influences internal calcium stores, a key factor in smooth muscle contraction.