EFFECT OF THE N-DEZ ALKALOID ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE NA⁺/CA²⁺ EXCHANGE SYSTEM IN VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS.

Abstract

The Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange system in vascular smooth muscle cells is important for maintaining intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis and controlling vascular tone. Under physiological conditions, this system ensures the relaxation process mainly by releasing Ca²⁺ ions out of the cell. However, in cases where vascular smooth muscle cells are dysfunctional or in pathological conditions, the Na⁺/Ca²⁺–exchange system operates in reverse mode as a result of a decrease in the concentration of Na⁺ in the external environment or a decrease in the activity of Na⁺/K⁺–ATPase. This can lead to the accumulation of Ca²⁺ ions inside the cell, increased contractile activity of vascular smooth muscle, and increased vascular tone and arterial blood pressure. In recent years, special attention has been paid to the search for biologically active compounds that modulate the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange system and to the identification of their vasorelaxant mechanisms of action. In this regard, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the N-DEZ alkaloid on the activity of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺–exchange system in vascular smooth muscle cells.