Effects of ATP reduction on the pattern of force development and myosin light chain phosphorylation in intact arterial smooth muscle.

The effect of reduction of ATP content on phosphorylation of the 20 kDa light chain of myosin (MLC) and force development in intact carotid arterial smooth muscle was investigated. With reduction of ATP to 23% of control by treatment with 2-deoxyglucose there was reduction in basal, in peak and 30 min MLC phosphorylation during contraction (P less than 0.001). The rate of force development was reduced, but maximal force was the same as control. By treatment with 50 microM iodoacetate, the resting ATP content was unchanged but fell to 22% after 30 min contraction. Basal MLC phosphorylation was the same as control, but peak (P less than 0.001) and 30 min phosphorylation were lower (P less than 0.005), even though the rate and magnitude of force development were greater. The results indicate that neither rate nor magnitude of force development correlate with MLC phosphorylation. Basal and initial MLC phosphorylation may play a cooperative role in contractile function.