Distinct effects of CGRP on typical and atypical smooth muscle cells involved in generating spontaneous contractions in the mouse renal pelvis

Background and purpose: We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying spontaneous contractions in the mouse renal pelvis, regulated by calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). Experimental approach: Spontaneous contractions, action potentials and Ca2+ transients in typical and atypical smooth muscle cells (TSMCs and ATSMCs) within the renal pelvis wall were recorded separately using tension and intracellular microelectrode recording techniques and Fluo‐4 Ca2+ imaging. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies were also carried out. Key results: Bundles of CGRP containing transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1‐positive sensory nerves were situated near both TSMCs and ATSMCs. Nerve stimulation reduced the frequency but augmented the amplitude and duration of spontaneous phasic contractions, action potentials and Ca2+ transients in TSMCs. CGRP and agents increasing internal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mimicked the nerve‐mediated modulation of TSMC activity and suppressed ATSMCs Ca2+ transients. Membrane hyperpolarization induced by CGRP or cAMP stimulators was blocked by glibenclamide, while their negative chronotropic effects were less affected. Glibenclamide enhanced TSMC Ca2+ transients but inhibited ATSMC Ca2+ transients, while both 5‐hydroxydecanoate and diazoxide, a blocker and opener of mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channels, respectively, reduced the Ca2+ transient frequency in both TSMCs and ATSMCs. Inhibition of mitochondrial function blocked ATSMCs Ca2+ transients and inhibited spontaneous excitation of TSMCs. Conclusions and implications: The negative chronotropic effects of CGRP result primarily from suppression of ATSMC Ca2+ transients rather than opening of plasmalemmal ATP‐sensitive K+ channels in TSMCs. The positive inotropic effects of CGRP may derive from activation of TSMC L‐type Ca2+ channels. Mitochondrial Ca2+ handling in ATSMCs also plays a critical role in generating Ca2+ transients.