Fig. 12
Schematic drawing of alterations in wall structure, biomechanics and smooth muscle cell function induced by autophagy deficiency in Atg7F/F SM22α-Cre+ mice of 2 months (present study) and 3.5 months [9, 10] old as compared to their age-matched Atg7+/+ SM22α-Cre+ mice. Differences between 2 and 3.5 months are shown in red with between brackets the age of the mice. VDCC voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels; NSCC non-selective cation channels; PE phenylephrine; α1R α1-adrenoceptor; PLC phospholipase C; IP3(R) inositol trisphosphate receptor; MLCK(P) myosin light chain kinase (phosphatase); PMCA plasmalemmal Ca2+ pump; SR sarcoplasmic reticulum; FA focal adhesion; ECM extracellular matrix