The effect of calcium channels blockade on slow-wave distribution in the electrophysiological model of human gastric wall smooth muscle cells

Introduction: Two of the most important ion channels in the smooth muscle membrane are L-type and T-type calcium channels. L-type calcium channels are responsible for smooth muscle contraction, while T-type calcium channels are involved in cell membrane depolarization. Methods: In this study, a model consisting of 1200 cells was used to simulate the smooth muscle of the gastric wall. The paper explores the effects of blocking 10%, 50%, 90%, and 100% of L-type and T-type calcium channels on the spatiotemporal wavefront propagation in human gastric wall smooth muscle cells, simulated separately. Results: The results showed that complete blockage had the most significant effect on the slow-wave. Blockage of the L-type calcium channel led to a reduction of -3.4% and -0.8% in the membrane potential during the spike and plateau phases, respectively. The T-type calcium channel reduced the spike and resting membrane potential by -1.8% and -0.9%, respectively. In addition, the L-type calcium channel exhibited a greater impact on reducing muscle contraction compared to the T-type calcium channel. This suggests that higher blockage of calcium channels led to decreased membrane potential during slow-wave phases and reduced muscle contraction, compared to the physiological state. Conclusion: Blocking ion channels in electrophysiological models can potentially help control gastrointestinal tract motility disorders and smooth muscle contraction.