Silencing MaxiK Activity in Corporal Smooth Muscle Cells Initiates Compensatory Mechanisms to Maintain Calcium Homeostasis

Our results indicate that while short‐term blockade of the MaxiK channel is associated with an increase in basal [Ca2+]i, Ca2+ homeostasis is restored during the 48 hours period following silencing. We hypothesize that the different pathways regulating [Ca2+]i and CCSM tone are linked through molecular crosstalk and that their coordinated regulation is part of a compensatory mechanism aimed to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis and CCSM tone. Calenda G, Suadicani SO, Iglesias R, and Spray DC, Melman A, and Davies KP. Silencing MaxiK activity in corporal smooth muscle cells initiates compensatory mechanisms to maintain calcium homeostasis. J Sex Med 2011;8:2191-2204.