# Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Cav1.2-Mediated Ca2+ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries

Rogelio Salazar-Enciso, Agustín Guerrero-Hernández, Ana Gómez, Jean-Pierre Benitah, Angélica Rueda

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## ► To cite this version:

Rogelio Salazar-Enciso, Agustín Guerrero-Hernández, Ana Gómez, Jean-Pierre Benitah, Angélica Rueda. Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Cav1.2-Mediated Ca2+ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries. Frontiers in Physiology, 2022, 13, pp.834220. 10.3389/fphys.2022.834220. inserm-04409557

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# Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Caív1.2-Mediated Ca²⁺ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries

Rogelio Salazar-Enciso¹,², Agustín Guerrero-Hernández¹, Ana M. Gómez², Jean-Pierre Benitah² and Angélica Rueda¹*

¹Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico City, Mexico, ²Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology - UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France

In mesenteric arteries (MAs), aldosterone (ALDO) binds to the endogenous mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and increases the expression of the voltage-gated L-type Caív1.2 channel, an essential ion channel for vascular contraction, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ store refilling, and Ca²⁺ spark generation. In mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (MASMCs), Ca²⁺ influx through Caív1.2 is the indirect mechanism for triggering Ca²⁺ sparks. This process is facilitated by plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum (PM-SR) nanojunctions that drive Ca²⁺ from the extracellular space into the SR via Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ (SERCA) pump. Ca²⁺ sparks produced by clusters of Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) at PM-SR nanodomains, decrease contractility by activating large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (BKCa channels), which generate spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). Altogether, Caív1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs, and BKCa channels work as a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain, regulating intracellular Ca²⁺ and vascular function. However, the effect of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway on this functional unit has not been completely explored. Our results show that short-term exposure to ALDO (10 nM, 24 h) increased the expression of Caív1.2 in rat MAs. The depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ entry increased SR Ca²⁺ load, and the frequencies of both Ca²⁺ sparks and STOCs, while [Ca²⁺]cyt and vasoconstriction remained unaltered in Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Caív1.2-Mediated Ca²⁺ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries. Front. Physiol. 13:834220. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.834220

## OPEN ACCESS

**Edited by:**

Manuel F. Navedo,
University of California, Davis,
United States

**Reviewed by:**

Thomas J. Heppner,
University of Vermont, United States
Sean Michael Wilson,
Loma Linda University, United States

*Correspondence:

Angélica Rueda
arueda@cinvestav.mx

**Specialty section:**
This article was submitted to Vascular Physiology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Physiology

Received: 13 December 2021

Accepted: 08 February 2022

Published: 11 March 2022

**Citation:** Salazar-Enciso R, Guerrero-Hernández A, Gómez AM, Benitah J-P and Rueda A (2022) Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Caív1.2-Mediated Ca²⁺ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries. Front. Physiol. 13:834220. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.834220
<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

Check for
updates

# Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Caív1.2-Mediated Ca²⁺ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries

Rogelio Salazar-Enciso¹,², Agustín Guerrero-Hernández¹, Ana M. Gómez², Jean-Pierre Benitah² and Angélica Rueda¹*

¹Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Mexico City, Mexico, ²Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology - UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, Châtenay-Malabry, France

In mesenteric arteries (MAs), aldosterone (ALDO) binds to the endogenous mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and increases the expression of the voltage-gated L-type Caív1.2 channel, an essential ion channel for vascular contraction, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺ store refilling, and Ca²⁺ spark generation. In mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (MASMCs), Ca²⁺ influx through Caív1.2 is the indirect mechanism for triggering Ca²⁺ sparks. This process is facilitated by plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum (PM-SR) nanojunctions that drive Ca²⁺ from the extracellular space into the SR via Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ (SERCA) pump. Ca²⁺ sparks produced by clusters of Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) at PM-SR nanodomains, decrease contractility by activating large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (BKCa channels), which generate spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). Altogether, Caív1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs, and BKCa channels work as a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain, regulating intracellular Ca²⁺ and vascular function. However, the effect of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway on this functional unit has not been completely explored. Our results show that short-term exposure to ALDO (10 nM, 24 h) increased the expression of Caív1.2 in rat MAs. The depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ entry increased SR Ca²⁺ load, and the frequencies of both Ca²⁺ sparks and STOCs, while [Ca²⁺]cyt and vasoconstriction remained unaltered in Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Caív1.2-Mediated Ca²⁺ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries. Front. Physiol. 13:834220. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.834220

## OPEN ACCESS

**Edited by:**

Manuel F. Navedo,
University of California, Davis,
United States

**Reviewed by:**

Thomas J. Heppner,
University of Vermont, United States

Sean Michael Wilson,
Loma Linda University, United States

**\*Correspondence:**

Angélica Rueda
arueda@cinvestav.mx

**Specialty section:**
This article was submitted to Vascular Physiology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Physiology

**Received:** 13 December 2021

**Accepted:** 08 February 2022

**Published:** 11 March 2022

**Citation:** Salazar-Enciso R, Guerrero-Hernández A, Gómez AM, Benitah J-P and Rueda A (2022) Aldosterone-Induced Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca²⁺ Pump Upregulation Counterbalances Caív1.2-Mediated Ca²⁺ Influx in Mesenteric Arteries. Front. Physiol. 13:834220. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.834220
for short-term ALDO-induced upregulation of the functional unit comprising $Ca_v$1.2, SERCA2 pump, RyRs, and $BK_{Ca}$ channels; in which the SERCA pump buffers ALDO-induced upregulation of $Ca^{2+}$ entry at the superficial SR-PM nanodomain of MASMCs, preventing ALDO-triggered depolarization-induced vasoconstriction and enhancing vasodilation. Pathological conditions that lead to SERCA pump downregulation, for instance, chronic exposure to ALDO, might favor the development of ALDO/MR-mediated augmented vasoconstriction of mesenteric arteries.

**Keywords:** calcium sparks, aldosterone (ALDO), ryanodine receptor, STOCs, $Ca_v$1.2 $Ca^{2+}$ channel, SERCA pump, mesenteric artery (MA), vascular smooth muscle cell

## INTRODUCTION

Aldosterone (ALDO) is a steroid hormone that regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the body and acts primarily through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a transcription factor activated by ligand (Mangelsdorf et al., 1995). Clinical trials have evidenced the participation of MR in blood pressure (BP) regulation by showing the beneficial effects of MR blockers in the treatment of high BP; including mild, moderate and resistant hypertension (Weinberger et al., 2002; Acelajado et al., 2019). The MR is mainly expressed in kidney epithelial cells, but it is also found in several vascular tissues, including small, resistance-sized (150–300 µm in lumen diameter) mesenteric arteries (MAs) (Lombès et al., 1992; Salazar-Enciso et al., 2018), which supply blood to the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to the hypertensive process under pathological exposure to ALDO (Schiffrin, 1992). Whereas, MR, aldosterone synthase, and $11$-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-BHSD2), key proteins of the local ALDO system, are expressed in rat MAs (Takeda et al., 1993, 1997); the impact of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway on $Ca^{2+}$ handling proteins in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (MASMCs) has not been fully evaluated.

In the heart, aorta, coronary and MAs, the activation of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway increases voltage-gated L-type $Ca_v$1.2 channel (LTCCs) expression (Bénitah and Vassort, 1999; Lalevée et al., 2005; Mesquita et al., 2018), resulting in enhanced vascular contraction of coronary arteries (Mesquita et al., 2018). In experimental animal models of chronic hypertension such as the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), LTCCs are upregulated, $Ca^{2+}$ influx is increased, vascular reactivity

is enhanced, and receptor-stimulated contractile responses are higher than in arteries of control rats (Cox and Lozinskaya, 1995; Matsuda et al., 1997; Pratt et al., 2002; Xavier et al., 2008). However, it has been also shown that when LTCCs are activated via $K^+$-mediated membrane depolarization maneuvers, vasoconstriction responses are unaffected in MAs of SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats treated with ALDO (Xavier et al., 2008); in deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats (Suzuki et al., 1994); or in the young transgenic mouse with smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific MR deficiency (SMC-MR-KO mouse) (McCurley et al., 2012); and in cerebral arteries of ALDO-treated mice (Chrissobolis et al., 2014). These studies support the notion that in some types of vascular tissues, the activation of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway enhances receptor-mediated vasoconstriction responses (for instance, $\alpha$-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction) but not vasoconstriction responses induced by KCl (Suzuki et al., 1994; Xavier et al., 2008; Chrissobolis et al., 2014); and the molecular mechanisms that underlie this discrepancy are elusive.

L-type voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels are the primary route of $Ca^{2+}$ entry in the vasculature (Ghosh et al., 2017). For instance, $Ca^{2+}$ entry via LTCCs is the principal mediator of myogenic response, vascular contraction, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) $Ca^{2+}$ refilling, $Ca^{2+}$ spark generation and blood pressure in resistance-sized MAs (Nelson and Worley, 1989; Moosmang et al., 2003; Ghosh et al., 2017; Fan et al., 2018). $Ca^{2+}$ entering the cytoplasm is captured to the SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores by the SERCA pump at the superficial or junctional SR, which occupies a vast subcellular area with multiple plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum (PM-SR) junctions in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In fact, LTCC-mediated subcellular $Ca^{2+}$ signals, named $Ca^{2+}$ sparklets, coincide with junctional SR expressing SERCA pumps and Ryanodine receptors (RyRs), demonstrating the close association of these proteins in the subplasmalemmal nanodomain (Takeda et al., 2011). In addition, the SERCA pump tightly regulates $Ca^{2+}$ influx and as a result, indirectly controls $Ca^{2+}$ spark ignition (Chen and van Breemen, 1993; Van Breemen et al., 1995; Essin and Gollasch, 2009). $Ca^{2+}$ sparks, which are local $Ca^{2+}$ signals produced by the simultaneous activation of clusters of $Ca^{2+}$ release channels/Ryanodine receptors (RyRs), are involved in vasorelaxation (Nelson et al., 1995; Essin and Gollasch, 2009; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014). $Ca^{2+}$ sparks activate large-conductance $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channels ($BK_{Ca}$ channels) that generate spontaneous transient

**Abbreviations:** ALDO, aldosterone; MA, mesenteric arteries; MASMC, mesenteric artery smooth muscle cell; LTCC, L-type voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels; SMC, smooth muscle cell; ACh, acetylcholine; ALDO, aldosterone; $BK_{Ca}$ channel, large-conductance $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channel; CASQ2, calsequestrin-2; DMEM, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; FKBP12.6, 12.6 kDa FK506-binding protein; GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; LTCC, voltage-gated L-type $Ca_v$1.2 channel; MA, mesenteric artery; MASMC, mesenteric artery smooth muscle cell; MR, mineralocorticoid receptor; Nif, Nifedipine; *Orai1*, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1; PM-SR, plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum; PSS, physiological saline solution; RyR, ryanodine receptor; *Rpl32*, 60S ribosomal protein L32; *sm22*, smooth muscle protein 22-alpha; SERCA, Sarco/Endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ pump; *Sgk1*, serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1; SMC, smooth muscle cell; *Stim1*, stromal interaction molecule 1; SOCE, store-operated calcium entry; STOC, spontaneous transient outward current; TGN, thapsigargin; VSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell; *Ywhaz*, 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta; 11-BHSD2, 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2.
for short-term ALDO-induced upregulation of the functional unit comprising $Ca_v$1.2, SERCA2 pump, RyRs, and $BK_{Ca}$ channels; in which the SERCA pump buffers ALDO-induced upregulation of $Ca^{2+}$ entry at the superficial SR-PM nanodomain of MASMCs, preventing ALDO-triggered depolarization-induced vasoconstriction and enhancing vasodilation. Pathological conditions that lead to SERCA pump downregulation, for instance, chronic exposure to ALDO, might favor the development of ALDO/MR-mediated augmented vasoconstriction of mesenteric arteries.

**Keywords:** calcium sparks, aldosterone (ALDO), ryanodine receptor, STOCs, $Ca_v$1.2 $Ca^{2+}$ channel, SERCA pump, mesenteric artery (MA), vascular smooth muscle cell

## INTRODUCTION

Aldosterone (ALDO) is a steroid hormone that regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the body and acts primarily through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), a transcription factor activated by ligand (Mangelsdorf et al., 1995). Clinical trials have evidenced the participation of MR in blood pressure (BP) regulation by showing the beneficial effects of MR blockers in the treatment of high BP; including mild, moderate and resistant hypertension (Weinberger et al., 2002; Acelajado et al., 2019). The MR is mainly expressed in kidney epithelial cells, but it is also found in several vascular tissues, including small, resistance-sized (150–300 µm in lumen diameter) mesenteric arteries (MAs) (Lombès et al., 1992; Salazar-Enciso et al., 2018), which supply blood to the gastrointestinal tract and contribute to the hypertensive process under pathological exposure to ALDO (Schiffrin, 1992). Whereas, MR, aldosterone synthase, and $11$-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-BHSD2), key proteins of the local ALDO system, are expressed in rat MAs (Takeda et al., 1993, 1997); the impact of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway on $Ca^{2+}$ handling proteins in mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (MASMCs) has not been fully evaluated.

In the heart, aorta, coronary and MAs, the activation of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway increases voltage-gated L-type $Ca_v$1.2 channel (LTCCs) expression (Bénitah and Vassort, 1999; Lalevée et al., 2005; Mesquita et al., 2018), resulting in enhanced vascular contraction of coronary arteries (Mesquita et al., 2018). In experimental animal models of chronic hypertension such as the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), LTCCs are upregulated, $Ca^{2+}$ influx is increased, vascular reactivity

is enhanced, and receptor-stimulated contractile responses are higher than in arteries of control rats (Cox and Lozinskaya, 1995; Matsuda et al., 1997; Pratt et al., 2002; Xavier et al., 2008). However, it has been also shown that when LTCCs are activated via $K^+$-mediated membrane depolarization maneuvers, vasoconstriction responses are unaffected in MAs of SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats treated with ALDO (Xavier et al., 2008); in deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats (Suzuki et al., 1994); or in the young transgenic mouse with smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific MR deficiency (SMC-MR-KO mouse) (McCurley et al., 2012); and in cerebral arteries of ALDO-treated mice (Chrissobolis et al., 2014). These studies support the notion that in some types of vascular tissues, the activation of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway enhances receptor-mediated vasoconstriction responses (for instance, α-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction) but not vasoconstriction responses induced by KCl (Suzuki et al., 1994; Xavier et al., 2008; Chrissobolis et al., 2014); and the molecular mechanisms that underlie this discrepancy are elusive.

L-type voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels are the primary route of $Ca^{2+}$ entry in the vasculature (Ghosh et al., 2017). For instance, $Ca^{2+}$ entry via LTCCs is the principal mediator of myogenic response, vascular contraction, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) $Ca^{2+}$ refilling, $Ca^{2+}$ spark generation and blood pressure in resistance-sized MAs (Nelson and Worley, 1989; Moosmang et al., 2003; Ghosh et al., 2017; Fan et al., 2018). $Ca^{2+}$ entering the cytoplasm is captured to the SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores by the SERCA pump at the superficial or junctional SR, which occupies a vast subcellular area with multiple plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum (PM-SR) junctions in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). In fact, LTCC-mediated subcellular $Ca^{2+}$ signals, named $Ca^{2+}$ sparklets, coincide with junctional SR expressing SERCA pumps and Ryanodine receptors (RyRs), demonstrating the close association of these proteins in the subplasmalemmal nanodomain (Takeda et al., 2011). In addition, the SERCA pump tightly regulates $Ca^{2+}$ influx and as a result, indirectly controls $Ca^{2+}$ spark ignition (Chen and van Breemen, 1993; Van Breemen et al., 1995; Essin and Gollasch, 2009). $Ca^{2+}$ sparks, which are local $Ca^{2+}$ signals produced by the simultaneous activation of clusters of $Ca^{2+}$ release channels/Ryanodine receptors (RyRs), are involved in vasorelaxation (Nelson et al., 1995; Essin and Gollasch, 2009; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014). $Ca^{2+}$ sparks activate large-conductance $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channels ($BK_{Ca}$ channels) that generate spontaneous transient

**Abbreviations:** ALDO, aldosterone; MA, mesenteric arteries; MASMC, mesenteric artery smooth muscle cell; LTCC, L-type voltage-dependent $Ca^{2+}$ channels; SMC, smooth muscle cell; ACh, acetylcholine; ALDO, aldosterone; $BK_{Ca}$ channel, large-conductance $Ca^{2+}$-activated $K^+$ channel; CASQ2, calsequestrin-2; DMEM, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium; FKBP12.6, 12.6 kDa FK506-binding protein; GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; LTCC, voltage-gated L-type $Ca_v$1.2 channel; MA, mesenteric artery; MASMC, mesenteric artery smooth muscle cell; MR, mineralocorticoid receptor; Nif, Nifedipine; *Orai1*, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1; PM-SR, plasma membrane-sarcoplasmic reticulum; PSS, physiological saline solution; RyR, ryanodine receptor; *Rpl32*, 60S ribosomal protein L32; *sm22*, smooth muscle protein 22-alpha; SERCA, Sarco/Endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ pump; *Sgk1*, serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1; SMC, smooth muscle cell; *Stim1*, stromal interaction molecule 1; SOCE, store-operated calcium entry; STOC, spontaneous transient outward current; TGN, thapsigargin; VSMC, vascular smooth muscle cell; *Ywhaz*, 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta; 11-BHSD2, 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2.
outward currents (STOCs) (Nelson et al., 1995; Pérez et al., 1999; Essin and Gollasch, 2009). STOCs have a key role in the control of arterial myogenic tone by shifting the plasma membrane potential toward less positive values (which limits $Ca^{2+}$ influx through LTCCs), diminishing global cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_{cyt}$), and opposing vasoconstriction (Ganitkevich and Isenberg, 1990; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014). Therefore, altogether $Ca_{v}1.2$, SERCA2 pump, RyRs, and $BK_{Ca}$ channels comprise a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain that regulates vascular function favoring vasorelaxation (Jaggar et al., 1998; Essin et al., 2007; Essin and Gollasch, 2009; Van Breemen et al., 2013).

Accessory proteins of RyRs (for instance, FKBP12.6, sorcin, and calsequestrin-2) (Wang et al., 2004; Rueda et al., 2006; Esfandiarei et al., 2013), might also participate in regulating this functional unit, but whether ALDO treatment alters their expression and activity in MAs is unknown.

In this work, we determined the effect of a short-term (24 h) exposure to aldosterone (ALDO) in the expression and activity of $Ca_{v}1.2$, SERCA2 pump, RyR, and $BK_{Ca}$ channels, proteins that regulate intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ handling and vascular function of mesenteric arteries.

## MATERIALS AND METHODS

All procedures were performed according to the ethical guidelines of the Mexican Official Norm (NOM-062-ZOO-1999) and the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH publication updated in 2011). The animal protocol was approved by the Institutional Bioethical Committee for Care and Handling of Laboratory Animals at the Cinvestav-IPN (approved CICUAL Protocol No. 0100-14). Unless specified, all reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Quimica, S. de RL. de C.V., Toluca, Mexico.

### Dissection of Mesenteric Arteries and Aldosterone Treatment

Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats (250–300 g of body weight) were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital solution (100 mg/Kg of body weight. Pisabental® PISA agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico). To rule out the effects of chronic ALDO-mediated maladaptive vessel changes, and to avoid unsought Angiotensin II-induced vascular MR activation (Jaffe and Mendelsohn, 2005); MAs were isolated and *ex vivo* exposed to 10 nM ALDO for 24 h, as previously described (Mesquita et al., 2018). Briefly, third-order, resistance-sized MAs were dissected under the microscope in ice-cold HEPES-buffered dissection solution (in mM: 80 Na-Glutamate, 55 NaCl, 6 KCl, 2 MgCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES; pH 7.4 with NaOH). Arteries were cleaned of fat and connective tissue and transferred to free-serum Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, Gibco™ Cat# 11885084, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, United States) supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin as previously described (Mesquita et al., 2018). Artery segments were cultured in a humidified atmosphere of 5% $CO_{2}$ at 37°C for 24 h in the presence of

10 nM aldosterone (ALDO group) or in its absence (control group). After incubation, MAs were used for vascular reactivity experiments or stored at -80°C for Western Blots and real-time qPCR experiments.

### Vascular Reactivity Assays

Vascular reactivity was assessed in third-order, resistance-sized MAs using a wire myograph for small vessels (Danish Myotechnology, Aarhus, Denmark) as previously described (Mesquita et al., 2018) with some modifications. After treatment, MAs were cut into 1.5–2.0 mm rings, cannulated with two 40 µm diameter stainless steel wires and mounted in an organ bath, warmed at 37°C with physiological saline solution (PSS) containing (in mM): 119 NaCl, 4.7 KCl, 2.5 $CaCl_{2}$, 1.17 $MgSO_{4}$, 1.18 $KH_{2}PO_{4}$, 25 $NaHCO_{3}$, 11 glucose and continuously gassed with carbogen (95% $O_{2}$, 5% $CO_{2}$) to maintain pH at 7.4. The MA rings were stabilized at a tension equivalent to that generated at $0.9 \times$ the diameter of the vessel at 100 mmHg for 45 min before experimentation. To determine the ring viability and achieve the maximal contractile response, MA rings were challenged with 60 mM KCl-containing PSS solution (equimolar substitution with NaCl to maintain constant ionic strength) twice before the beginning of concentration-response curves (KCl, from 10 to 60 mM). Endothelium integrity was tested using an endothelium-dependent agonist, Acetylcholine (ACh). The vasorelaxation response was determined by concentration-response curves (ACh, from $10^{-9}$ to $10^{-5}$ M) in pre-contracted MA rings with 60 mM KCl. Each vasoconstriction or vasorelaxation experiment was performed in duplicate, with the mean used as a single experimental value. Data are shown as the percentage of maximal contractile response elicited by 60 mM KCl-containing solution, which was considered 100%.

### Preparation of Mesenteric Artery Homogenates, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Immunoblot Analyses

Protein expression levels were assessed by immunoblotting as previously reported (Rueda et al., 2013; Mesquita et al., 2018) with some modifications. Briefly, 3–4 MA segments pooled from three rats were pulverized in liquid $N_{2}$ and homogenized on ice with a glass tissue grinder (Potter-Elvehjem) containing 200 µl cold homogenization buffer (composition in mM: 20 HEPES, 20 NaF, 300 sucrose, plus 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, and 0.1% SDS, pH 7.2 with NaOH) supplemented with protease inhibitors (1 µg/ml aprotinin, 500 µM benzamidine, 12 µM leupeptin, 100 µM PMSF). Homogenates were centrifuged at 2,000 × g for 10 min at 4°C and the supernatant was collected. Protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method. Supernatants were fractionated on 4–12% discontinuous gradient SDS-PAGE gel (20 µg of protein per well, for 2 h at 90 V). Separated proteins were transferred onto nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane for 2 h, 100 V at 4°C and blocked from non-specific binding with 5% non-fat dried milk in phosphate buffered saline-Tween 20 (0.1%) (PBS-T) for 1 h,
outward currents (STOCs) (Nelson et al., 1995; Pérez et al., 1999; Essin and Gollasch, 2009). STOCs have a key role in the control of arterial myogenic tone by shifting the plasma membrane potential toward less positive values (which limits $Ca^{2+}$ influx through LTCCs), diminishing global cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ concentration ($[Ca^{2+}]_{cyt}$), and opposing vasoconstriction (Ganitkevich and Isenberg, 1990; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014). Therefore, altogether $Ca_{v}1.2$, SERCA2 pump, RyRs, and $BK_{Ca}$ channels comprise a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain that regulates vascular function favoring vasorelaxation (Jaggar et al., 1998; Essin et al., 2007; Essin and Gollasch, 2009; Van Breemen et al., 2013).

Accessory proteins of RyRs (for instance, FKBP12.6, sorcin, and calsequestrin-2) (Wang et al., 2004; Rueda et al., 2006; Esfandiarei et al., 2013), might also participate in regulating this functional unit, but whether ALDO treatment alters their expression and activity in MAs is unknown.

In this work, we determined the effect of a short-term (24 h) exposure to aldosterone (ALDO) in the expression and activity of $Ca_{v}1.2$, SERCA2 pump, RyR, and $BK_{Ca}$ channels, proteins that regulate intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ handling and vascular function of mesenteric arteries.

## MATERIALS AND METHODS

All procedures were performed according to the ethical guidelines of the Mexican Official Norm (NOM-062-ZOO-1999) and the National Institutes of Health Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NIH publication updated in 2011). The animal protocol was approved by the Institutional Bioethical Committee for Care and Handling of Laboratory Animals at the Cinvestav-IPN (approved CICUAL Protocol No. 0100-14). Unless specified, all reagents were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Quimica, S. de RL. de C.V., Toluca, Mexico.

### Dissection of Mesenteric Arteries and Aldosterone Treatment

Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats (250–300 g of body weight) were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of sodium pentobarbital solution (100 mg/Kg of body weight. Pisabental® PISA agropecuaria S.A. de C.V. Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico). To rule out the effects of chronic ALDO-mediated maladaptive vessel changes, and to avoid unsought Angiotensin II-induced vascular MR activation (Jaffe and Mendelsohn, 2005); MAs were isolated and *ex vivo* exposed to 10 nM ALDO for 24 h, as previously described (Mesquita et al., 2018). Briefly, third-order, resistance-sized MAs were dissected under the microscope in ice-cold HEPES-buffered dissection solution (in mM: 80 Na-Glutamate, 55 NaCl, 6 KCl, 2 MgCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES; pH 7.4 with NaOH). Arteries were cleaned of fat and connective tissue and transferred to free-serum Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM, Gibco™ Cat# 11885084, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, United States) supplemented with penicillin and streptomycin as previously described (Mesquita et al., 2018). Artery segments were cultured in a humidified atmosphere of 5% $CO_{2}$ at 37°C for 24 h in the presence of

10 nM aldosterone (ALDO group) or in its absence (control group). After incubation, MAs were used for vascular reactivity experiments or stored at -80°C for Western Blots and real-time qPCR experiments.

### Vascular Reactivity Assays

Vascular reactivity was assessed in third-order, resistance-sized MAs using a wire myograph for small vessels (Danish Myotechnology, Aarhus, Denmark) as previously described (Mesquita et al., 2018) with some modifications. After treatment, MAs were cut into 1.5–2.0 mm rings, cannulated with two 40 µm diameter stainless steel wires and mounted in an organ bath, warmed at 37°C with physiological saline solution (PSS) containing (in mM): 119 NaCl, 4.7 KCl, 2.5 $CaCl_{2}$, 1.17 $MgSO_{4}$, 1.18 $KH_{2}PO_{4}$, 25 $NaHCO_{3}$, 11 glucose and continuously gassed with carbogen (95% $O_{2}$, 5% $CO_{2}$) to maintain pH at 7.4. The MA rings were stabilized at a tension equivalent to that generated at $0.9 \times$ the diameter of the vessel at 100 mmHg for 45 min before experimentation. To determine the ring viability and achieve the maximal contractile response, MA rings were challenged with 60 mM KCl-containing PSS solution (equimolar substitution with NaCl to maintain constant ionic strength) twice before the beginning of concentration-response curves (KCl, from 10 to 60 mM). Endothelium integrity was tested using an endothelium-dependent agonist, Acetylcholine (ACh). The vasorelaxation response was determined by concentration-response curves (ACh, from $10^{-9}$ to $10^{-5}$ M) in pre-contracted MA rings with 60 mM KCl. Each vasoconstriction or vasorelaxation experiment was performed in duplicate, with the mean used as a single experimental value. Data are shown as the percentage of maximal contractile response elicited by 60 mM KCl-containing solution, which was considered 100%.

### Preparation of Mesenteric Artery Homogenates, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Immunoblot Analyses

Protein expression levels were assessed by immunoblotting as previously reported (Rueda et al., 2013; Mesquita et al., 2018) with some modifications. Briefly, 3–4 MA segments pooled from three rats were pulverized in liquid $N_{2}$ and homogenized on ice with a glass tissue grinder (Potter-Elvehjem) containing 200 µl cold homogenization buffer (composition in mM: 20 HEPES, 20 NaF, 300 sucrose, plus 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, and 0.1% SDS, pH 7.2 with NaOH) supplemented with protease inhibitors (1 µg/ml aprotinin, 500 µM benzamidine, 12 µM leupeptin, 100 µM PMSF). Homogenates were centrifuged at 2,000 × g for 10 min at 4°C and the supernatant was collected. Protein concentration was determined by the Bradford method. Supernatants were fractionated on 4–12% discontinuous gradient SDS-PAGE gel (20 µg of protein per well, for 2 h at 90 V). Separated proteins were transferred onto nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane for 2 h, 100 V at 4°C and blocked from non-specific binding with 5% non-fat dried milk in phosphate buffered saline-Tween 20 (0.1%) (PBS-T) for 1 h,
before the incubation with commercial primary antibodies previously used at indicated publications, against Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 (1:200, Cat# AB10515, Millipore, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) (Mesquita et al., 2018); SERCA2 pump (1:4,000, Cat# ab2861, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, United States) (Romero-García et al., 2020); Ryanodine receptor (RyR, 1:5000, Cat# ab2868, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, United States) (Rueda et al., 2006); calsequestrin (CSQ2, 1:4,000, Cat# ab108289, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, United States) (de Alba-Aguayo et al., 2017); sorcin (1:1,000, a kind gift from Héctor H. Valdivia laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States) (Rueda et al., 2006); FKBP12.6 (1:2,000, Cat# sc-376135, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Dallas, TX, United States) (Gómez et al., 2009); MR (1:200; Cat# MRN2 2B7, DSHB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States) (Gomez-Sanchez et al., 2006); BK<sub>Ca</sub> α subunit (1:200, Cat# APC-009, Alomone Labs, Jerusalem, Israel) (Rueda et al., 2013), BK<sub>Ca</sub> β1 subunit (1:5000, Cat# APC-036, Alomone Labs, Jerusalem, Israel) (Rueda et al., 2013), Orai1 (1:200, Cat# O8264, Sigma-Aldrich Química, S.L. Toluca, Mexico) (Bartoli et al., 2020) and GAPDH (1:100,000 Cat# AM4300, Ambion®, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, United States) (Romero-García et al., 2020) for 2 h at room temperature (RT). Membranes were incubated for 1 h at 37°C with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-rabbit y/or anti-mouse in PBS-T with 1% non-fat dried milk. Signal was detected by chemiluminescence on radiograph film. The density of immunoreactive bands was measured on KODAK Image Station. GAPDH was used as loading control.

## Total RNA Isolation and Real-Time
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Total RNA was extracted from pools of MAs from 3 to 4 animals by TRIzol reagent® according to the manufacturer's protocol. Total RNA was digested for 20 min at 37°C with 0.5 µL DNase (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). The reverse transcription was performed with Superscript II Reverse Transcriptase KIT (Invitrogen). The resulting DNA samples were amplified by real-time qPCR using the QuantiTect SYBR ® Green PCR Kits (QIAGEN) in a Rotor-Gene cycler (Corbett Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia). mRNA levels were normalized to the geometric mean of three housekeeping genes, 60S ribosomal protein L32 (Rpl32), 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta (Ywhaz), and transgelin (Sm22) (Mesquita et al., 2018). All samples were quantified in triplicate. The values were expressed as a relative expression using the Pfaffl equation (Pfaffl, 2001). The specific primers sequences are listed in Table 1.

## Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cell
Isolation

Single smooth muscle cells from mesenteric arteries (MASMCs) were enzymatically isolated following as previously described (Rueda et al., 2013) with some modifications. Briefly, MAs were cut into small segments and transferred to a 1-ml aliquot of PSS containing (in mg/ml): 1 papain, 1 bovine serum albumin (BSA), 1 dithiothreitol for 16 min at 37°C. The digested tissue was transferred to a 1 ml PSS supplemented with collagenase type

F (1 mg/ml) plus 100 µM CaCl₂ for 8 min at 37°C. The digestion was stopped by three washes with cold PSS. Individual cells were dissociated from vessels by gentle trituration with a fire polish glass pipette. The resulting cell suspension was stored at 4°C for up 1 h and was used on the same day. Only long, smooth, and optically refractive cells were used.

## Cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ Concentration
Measurements in Single Mesenteric
Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

The global cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]cyt) and the amplitude of caffeine-induced Ca²⁺ transients were estimated as previously described (Rueda et al., 2002) with some modifications. Briefly, isolated MASMCs were loaded with 8 µM Fura 2-AM in 20 mM K⁺-physiological saline solution (PSS-20K, composition in mM: 122 NaCl, 20 KCl, 2 CaCl₂, 1 MgCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES, pH 7.4 with NaOH) for 25 min at RT and washed. An aliquot of 20 µL of Fura 2-loaded cells was placed in a 1-mL-volume recording chamber (homemade) filled with PSS-20K at RT. Cells were allowed to adhere to the chamber's glass bottom for at least 5 min. Fura-2 fluorescence excitation ratios (F₃₄₀/F₃₈₀) were determined in individual cells each 50 ms within a 100-µm² recording window in an inverted microscope (Nikon Diaphot, Japan) coupled to a PTI microfluorometry system (Ratio-Master™ PTI Technologies Inc., South Brunswick, NJ, United States). A single and brief pulse (10 s) of 10 mM caffeine (Caff) was locally applied by a pneumatic pump (PV830 PicoPump, WPI, Sarasota, FL, United States) using a TW100F-4 borosilicate micropipette placed above the cell. Data acquisition and analyses were performed in FeliX32 software (PTI Technologies Inc., South Brunswick, NJ, United States). The Fura-2 fluorescence ratio values (F₃₄₀/F₃₈₀) were converted to [Ca²⁺] with the Grynkiewicz equation: [Ca²⁺] = K<sub>d</sub>*β (R<sub>min</sub>/R<sub>max</sub>·R) (Grynkiewicz et al., 1985); where R is the ratio (F₃₄₀/F₃₈₀) after background subtraction. Values of 0.21, 6.25, and 9.7 obtained from Fura-2 *in situ* calibration were used for R<sub>min</sub>, R<sub>max</sub>, and β, respectively; R<sub>min</sub> and R<sub>max</sub> were obtained in the presence of 2 mM EGTA and 2.5 mM extracellular Ca²⁺, respectively. K<sub>d</sub> used was 282 nM.

## Determination of Ca²⁺ Influx

Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs were kept in a Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ free solution (in mM: 136 LiCl, 6 KCl, 2 MgCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES, 1 EGTA; pH 7.4 with LiOH), and incubated with either thapsigargin (TGN, 100 nM) or Nifedipine (1 µM) for 10 min at RT. Subsequently, cells were perfused with a Na⁺ free solution containing 1.8 mM Ca²⁺. Changes in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zeiss, LSM 700) equipped with an ×63 oil immersion objective (N.A. 1.2). Fluo-4 was excited at 488 nm with a diode laser of 488 nm (5% intensity), and emitted light was directed onto a main dichroic beam splitter (MDBS) to separate the emission from the excitation light. The emitted light was diverted to a secondary dichroic (VSD) beam splitter which in combination with a long pass filter (LP515) allowed the collection of light by the photomultiplier (PMT) above 510 nm. After
before the incubation with commercial primary antibodies previously used at indicated publications, against Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 (1:200, Cat# AB10515, Millipore, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) (Mesquita et al., 2018); SERCA2 pump (1:4,000, Cat# ab2861, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, United States) (Romero-García et al., 2020); Ryanodine receptor (RyR, 1:5000, Cat# ab2868, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, United States) (Rueda et al., 2006); calsequestrin (CSQ2, 1:4,000, Cat# ab108289, Abcam, Cambridge, MA, United States) (de Alba-Aguayo et al., 2017); sorcin (1:1,000, a kind gift from Héctor H. Valdivia laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States) (Rueda et al., 2006); FKBP12.6 (1:2,000, Cat# sc-376135, Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Dallas, TX, United States) (Gómez et al., 2009); MR (1:200; Cat# MRN2 2B7, DSHB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States) (Gomez-Sanchez et al., 2006); BK<sub>Ca</sub> α subunit (1:200, Cat# APC-009, Alomone Labs, Jerusalem, Israel) (Rueda et al., 2013), BK<sub>Ca</sub> β1 subunit (1:5000, Cat# APC-036, Alomone Labs, Jerusalem, Israel) (Rueda et al., 2013), Orai1 (1:200, Cat# O8264, Sigma-Aldrich Química, S.L. Toluca, Mexico) (Bartoli et al., 2020) and GAPDH (1:100,000 Cat# AM4300, Ambion®, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, United States) (Romero-García et al., 2020) for 2 h at room temperature (RT). Membranes were incubated for 1 h at 37°C with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-rabbit y/or anti-mouse in PBS-T with 1% non-fat dried milk. Signal was detected by chemiluminescence on radiograph film. The density of immunoreactive bands was measured on KODAK Image Station. GAPDH was used as loading control.

## Total RNA Isolation and Real-Time
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Total RNA was extracted from pools of MAs from 3 to 4 animals by TRIzol reagent® according to the manufacturer's protocol. Total RNA was digested for 20 min at 37°C with 0.5 µL DNase (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). The reverse transcription was performed with Superscript II Reverse Transcriptase KIT (Invitrogen). The resulting DNA samples were amplified by real-time qPCR using the QuantiTect SYBR ® Green PCR Kits (QIAGEN) in a Rotor-Gene cycler (Corbett Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia). mRNA levels were normalized to the geometric mean of three housekeeping genes, 60S ribosomal protein L32 (Rpl32), 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta (Ywhaz), and transgelin (Sm22) (Mesquita et al., 2018). All samples were quantified in triplicate. The values were expressed as a relative expression using the Pfaffl equation (Pfaffl, 2001). The specific primers sequences are listed in **Table 1**.

## Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cell
Isolation

Single smooth muscle cells from mesenteric arteries (MASMCs) were enzymatically isolated following as previously described (Rueda et al., 2013) with some modifications. Briefly, MAs were cut into small segments and transferred to a 1-ml aliquot of PSS containing (in mg/ml): 1 papain, 1 bovine serum albumin (BSA), 1 dithiothreitol for 16 min at 37°C. The digested tissue was transferred to a 1 ml PSS supplemented with collagenase type

F (1 mg/ml) plus 100 µM CaCl<sub>2</sub> for 8 min at 37°C. The digestion was stopped by three washes with cold PSS. Individual cells were dissociated from vessels by gentle trituration with a fire polish glass pipette. The resulting cell suspension was stored at 4°C for up 1 h and was used on the same day. Only long, smooth, and optically refractive cells were used.

## Cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ Concentration
Measurements in Single Mesenteric
Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

The global cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]cyt) and the amplitude of caffeine-induced Ca²⁺ transients were estimated as previously described (Rueda et al., 2002) with some modifications. Briefly, isolated MASMCs were loaded with 8 µM Fura 2-AM in 20 mM K⁺-physiological saline solution (PSS-20K, composition in mM: 122 NaCl, 20 KCl, 2 CaCl₂, 1 MgCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES, pH 7.4 with NaOH) for 25 min at RT and washed. An aliquot of 20 µL of Fura 2-loaded cells was placed in a 1-mL-volume recording chamber (homemade) filled with PSS-20K at RT. Cells were allowed to adhere to the chamber's glass bottom for at least 5 min. Fura-2 fluorescence excitation ratios (F<sub>340</sub>/F<sub>380</sub>) were determined in individual cells each 50 ms within a 100-µm² recording window in an inverted microscope (Nikon Diaphot, Japan) coupled to a PTI microfluorometry system (Ratio-MasterTM PTI Technologies Inc., South Brunswick, NJ, United States). A single and brief pulse (10 s) of 10 mM caffeine (Caff) was locally applied by a pneumatic pump (PV830 PicoPump, WPI, Sarasota, FL, United States) using a TW100F-4 borosilicate micropipette placed above the cell. Data acquisition and analyses were performed in FeliX32 software (PTI Technologies Inc., South Brunswick, NJ, United States). The Fura-2 fluorescence ratio values (F<sub>340</sub>/F<sub>380</sub>) were converted to [Ca²⁺] with the Grynkiewicz equation: [Ca²⁺] = K<sub>d</sub>*β (R<sub>min</sub>/R<sub>max</sub>·R) (Grynkiewicz et al., 1985); where R is the ratio (F<sub>340</sub>/F<sub>380</sub>) after background subtraction. Values of 0.21, 6.25, and 9.7 obtained from Fura-2 *in situ* calibration were used for R<sub>min</sub>, R<sub>max</sub>, and β, respectively; R<sub>min</sub> and R<sub>max</sub> were obtained in the presence of 2 mM EGTA and 2.5 mM extracellular Ca²⁺, respectively. K<sub>d</sub> used was 282 nM.

## Determination of Ca²⁺ Influx

Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs were kept in a Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ free solution (in mM: 136 LiCl, 6 KCl, 2 MgCl₂, 10 glucose, 10 HEPES, 1 EGTA; pH 7.4 with LiOH), and incubated with either thapsigargin (TGN, 100 nM) or Nifedipine (1 µM) for 10 min at RT. Subsequently, cells were perfused with a Na⁺ free solution containing 1.8 mM Ca²⁺. Changes in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zeiss, LSM 700) equipped with an ×63 oil immersion objective (N.A. 1.2). Fluo-4 was excited at 488 nm with a diode laser of 488 nm (5% intensity), and emitted light was directed onto a main dichroic beam splitter (MDBS) to separate the emission from the excitation light. The emitted light was diverted to a secondary dichroic (VSD) beam splitter which in combination with a long pass filter (LP515) allowed the collection of light by the photomultiplier (PMT) above 510 nm. After
subtracting background fluorescence (calculated outside of the cell), Fluo 4 fluorescence signals were normalized by dividing the fluorescence intensity of each pixel (F) by the average basal fluorescence intensity inside the cell (F₀). Fluo 4 fluorescence signals corresponding to the response after the reintroduction of external Ca²⁺ were reported as ΔF/F₀.

## Ca²⁺ Sparks Recordings

The local Ca²⁺ release events were recorded as previously described (Rueda et al., 2013) with some modifications. Intact MA segments were loaded with the Ca²⁺ indicator Fluo 4-AM (10 µM final concentration, 40 min) prepared in PSS-20K. The MA segments were allowed to adhere to the bottom of a glass coverslip in a perfusion chamber and were perfused with PSS-20K at RT. Ca²⁺ sparks were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zeiss, LSM 700, Carl Zeiss de México, S.A. de C.V.) equipped with a ×63 oil immersion objective (N.A. 1.2) in line scan mode (five images per cell of 1000 lines each, at speed of 1.92 ms/line). Fluo-4 was excited at 488 nm with a diode laser (3% intensity) and emitted light was directed onto a MDBS to separate the emission from the excitation light. The emitted light was diverted to a VSD beam splitter which in combination with a LP515 allowed the collection of light by the PMT above 510 nm. Images of Ca²⁺ sparks were normalized by dividing the fluorescence intensity of each pixel (F) by the average basal fluorescence intensity (F₀) inside the cell to generate an F/F₀ image. Ca²⁺ spark frequency was reported as the number of events recorded per cell in five line-scan images. Ca²⁺ spark properties of amplitude (F/F₀), duration (FDHM, full duration at half maximum, in ms), and width (FWHM, full width at half maximum, in µm) were measured with a custom-made program running in IDL 5.5 software (Research Systems Inc.) (Rueda et al., 2013).

## Spontaneous Transient Outward Currents Recordings

Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) were recorded with the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration, as previously reported (Rueda et al., 2013). Polish fire patch pipettes (3–5 MΩ) were filled with internal solution containing (in mM): 80 K-glutamate, 5 NaCl, 40 KCl, 2 MgCl₂, 2 Mg²⁺-ATP, 0.1 Na-GTP, 0.05 K-EGTA, 20 HEPES, pH 7.2 with KOH. MASMCs were perfused with PSS and voltage-clamped from −60 to 0 mV to record STOCs. Membrane capacitance (Cm) was determined from the current amplitude elicited in response to a hyperpolarizing pulse from a holding potential at −60 mV (duration, 10 ms; amplitude, 10 mV). Currents were filtered at 500 Hz and digitalized at 2 kHz (500 µs/point). STOCs analysis was performed offline, using the event detection tool of Clampfit 9.2 (Axon Instruments, Inc.). All experiments were done at RT. Only smooth, elongated, spindle shape and optically refractive cells were used for patch experiments.

## Statistical Data Analysis

Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (M ± SEM). The number of animals for each experiment was indicated by “N,” while the number of vessels, cells, or independent experiments was indicated as “n.” All analyses were performed using Origin Pro v.8 software (Origin Lab Corporation, Northampton, MA, United States) or Sigma Plot v11.0 (Systat Software Inc., San Jose, CA, United States). After checking for normal distribution of data with the Shapiro-Wilk test, statistical significance was evaluated by either Student's t-test or one-way RM Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. When data sets failed the normality distribution test, statistical significance

<table><caption>TABLE 1 | List of primer sequences for real-time qPCR.</caption><thead><tr><th>Target gene</th><th>Sequence accession number</th><th>Primer</th><th>Tm (°C)</th><th>Sequence</th><th>Product length (pb)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="2">Atp2a2</td><td rowspan="2">NM_001110139.2</td><td>F</td><td>59.0</td><td>5/- ACCTGGAAGATTCTGCGAAC -3'</td><td rowspan="2">86</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>59.1</td><td>5/- AATCCTGGGAGGGTCCAG -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Sgk1</td><td rowspan="2">NM_019232.3</td><td>F</td><td>60.3</td><td>5/- CTGCTCGAAGTACCCTCACC -3'</td><td rowspan="2">128</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>58.4</td><td>5/- GCATGCATAGGAGTTGTTGG -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4">Orai1 Stim1</td><td>NM_001013982.1</td><td>F</td><td>59.49</td><td>5/- ATCGTCTTTGCCGTTCACTT -3'</td><td>131</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">NM_001108496.2</td><td>R</td><td>59.88</td><td>5/- AGAGAATGGTCCCCTCTGTG -3'</td><td rowspan="3">112</td></tr><tr><td>F</td><td>59.54</td><td>5/- TCTCTGAGTTGGAGGATGAGTAGA -3'</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>59.63</td><td>5/- CAATATAGGGGAGCAGAGGTAAGA -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Tagln</td><td rowspan="2">NM_031549.2</td><td>F</td><td>60.5</td><td>5/- GTTTGGCCGTGACCAAGAAC -3'</td><td rowspan="2">129</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>62.2</td><td>5/- GGAGGCCAATGACGTGCTTC -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Rpl32</td><td rowspan="2">NM_013226.2</td><td>F</td><td>58.6</td><td>5/- GCTGCTGATGTGCAACAAA -3'</td><td rowspan="2">115</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>58.9</td><td>5/- GGGATTGGTGACTCTGATGG -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Ywhaz</td><td rowspan="2">NM_013011.3</td><td>F</td><td>60.3</td><td>5/- AGACGGAAGGTGCTGAGAAA -3'</td><td rowspan="2">127</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>54.7</td><td>5/- GAAGCATTGGGGATCAAGA -3'</td></tr></tbody></table>

Atp2a2, ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ transporting 2 or SERCA pump; Sgk1, serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase; Orai1, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1; Stim1, stromal interaction molecule 1; Tagln, transgelin also known as smooth muscle cell 22 alpha; Rpl32, ribosomal protein L32; Ywaz, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta; F, forward; R, reverse; Tm, melting temperature; pb, pair bases. Information obtained from MFEprimer 3.1 (Wang et al., 2019).
subtracting background fluorescence (calculated outside of the cell), Fluo 4 fluorescence signals were normalized by dividing the fluorescence intensity of each pixel (F) by the average basal fluorescence intensity inside the cell (F₀). Fluo 4 fluorescence signals corresponding to the response after the reintroduction of external Ca²⁺ were reported as ΔF/F₀.

## Ca²⁺ Sparks Recordings

The local Ca²⁺ release events were recorded as previously described (Rueda et al., 2013) with some modifications. Intact MA segments were loaded with the Ca²⁺ indicator Fluo 4-AM (10 µM final concentration, 40 min) prepared in PSS-20K. The MA segments were allowed to adhere to the bottom of a glass coverslip in a perfusion chamber and were perfused with PSS-20K at RT. Ca²⁺ sparks were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zeiss, LSM 700, Carl Zeiss de México, S.A. de C.V.) equipped with a ×63 oil immersion objective (N.A. 1.2) in line scan mode (five images per cell of 1000 lines each, at speed of 1.92 ms/line). Fluo-4 was excited at 488 nm with a diode laser (3% intensity) and emitted light was directed onto a MDBS to separate the emission from the excitation light. The emitted light was diverted to a VSD beam splitter which in combination with a LP515 allowed the collection of light by the PMT above 510 nm. Images of Ca²⁺ sparks were normalized by dividing the fluorescence intensity of each pixel (F) by the average basal fluorescence intensity (F₀) inside the cell to generate an F/F₀ image. Ca²⁺ spark frequency was reported as the number of events recorded per cell in five line-scan images. Ca²⁺ spark properties of amplitude (F/F₀), duration (FDHM, full duration at half maximum, in ms), and width (FWHM, full width at half maximum, in µm) were measured with a custom-made program running in IDL 5.5 software (Research Systems Inc.) (Rueda et al., 2013).

## Spontaneous Transient Outward Currents Recordings

Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) were recorded with the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration, as previously reported (Rueda et al., 2013). Polish fire patch pipettes (3–5 MΩ) were filled with internal solution containing (in mM): 80 K-glutamate, 5 NaCl, 40 KCl, 2 MgCl₂, 2 Mg²⁺-ATP, 0.1 Na-GTP, 0.05 K-EGTA, 20 HEPES, pH 7.2 with KOH. MASMCs were perfused with PSS and voltage-clamped from –60 to 0 mV to record STOCs. Membrane capacitance (Cm) was determined from the current amplitude elicited in response to a hyperpolarizing pulse from a holding potential at –60 mV (duration, 10 ms; amplitude, 10 mV). Currents were filtered at 500 Hz and digitalized at 2 kHz (500 µs/point). STOCs analysis was performed offline, using the event detection tool of Clampfit 9.2 (Axon Instruments, Inc.). All experiments were done at RT. Only smooth, elongated, spindle shape and optically refractive cells were used for patch experiments.

## Statistical Data Analysis

Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (M ± SEM). The number of animals for each experiment was indicated by “N,” while the number of vessels, cells, or independent experiments was indicated as “n.” All analyses were performed using Origin Pro v.8 software (Origin Lab Corporation, Northampton, MA, United States) or Sigma Plot v11.0 (Systat Software Inc., San Jose, CA, United States). After checking for normal distribution of data with the Shapiro-Wilk test, statistical significance was evaluated by either Student's t-test or one-way RM Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. When data sets failed the normality distribution test, statistical significance

<table><caption>TABLE 1 | List of primer sequences for real-time qPCR.</caption><thead><tr><th>Target gene</th><th>Sequence accession number</th><th>Primer</th><th>Tm (°C)</th><th>Sequence</th><th>Product length (pb)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td rowspan="2">Atp2a2</td><td rowspan="2">NM_001110139.2</td><td>F</td><td>59.0</td><td>5/- ACCTGGAAGATTCTGCGAAC -3'</td><td rowspan="2">86</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>59.1</td><td>5/- AATCCTGGGAGGGTCCAG -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Sgk1</td><td rowspan="2">NM_019232.3</td><td>F</td><td>60.3</td><td>5/- CTGCTCGAAGTACCCTCACC -3'</td><td rowspan="2">128</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>58.4</td><td>5/- GCATGCATAGGAGTTGTTGG -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="4">Orai1 Stim1</td><td>NM_001013982.1</td><td>F</td><td>59.49</td><td>5/- ATCGTCTTTGCCGTTCACTT -3'</td><td>131</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">NM_001108496.2</td><td>R</td><td>59.88</td><td>5/- AGAGAATGGTCCCCTCTGTG -3'</td><td rowspan="3">112</td></tr><tr><td>F</td><td>59.54</td><td>5/- TCTCTGAGTTGGAGGATGAGTAGA -3'</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>59.63</td><td>5/- CAATATAGGGGAGCAGAGGTAAGA -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Tagln</td><td rowspan="2">NM_031549.2</td><td>F</td><td>60.5</td><td>5/- GTTTGGCCGTGACCAAGAAC -3'</td><td rowspan="2">129</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>62.2</td><td>5/- GGAGGCCAATGACGTGCTTC -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Rpl32</td><td rowspan="2">NM_013226.2</td><td>F</td><td>58.6</td><td>5/- GCTGCTGATGTGCAACAAA -3'</td><td rowspan="2">115</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>58.9</td><td>5/- GGGATTGGTGACTCTGATGG -3'</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Ywhaz</td><td rowspan="2">NM_013011.3</td><td>F</td><td>60.3</td><td>5/- AGACGGAAGGTGCTGAGAAA -3'</td><td rowspan="2">127</td></tr><tr><td>R</td><td>54.7</td><td>5/- GAAGCATTGGGGATCAAGA -3'</td></tr></tbody></table>

Atp2a2, ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ transporting 2 or SERCA pump; Sgk1, serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase; Orai1, calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1; Stim1, stromal interaction molecule 1; Tagln, transgelin also known as smooth muscle cell 22 alpha; Rpl32, ribosomal protein L32; Ywaz, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta; F, forward; R, reverse; Tm, melting temperature; pb, pair bases. Information obtained from MFEprimer 3.1 (Wang et al., 2019).
was evaluated by either Mann-Whitney rank sum test or Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks followed by Bonferroni *post-hoc* test. A P-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

## RESULTS

### Increased Expression of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 Does Not Enhance Depolarization-Induced Vasoconstriction in Aldosterone-Treated Mesenteric Arteries

We have reported previously that ALDO-induced MR activation increased Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 expression in rat vascular tissues, including resistance MAs (Mesquita et al., 2018). However, the functional outcome of the ALDO-induced Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 increased expression remained uncharacterized in MAs. Herein, we first evaluate the effect of depolarization-induced vasoconstriction in MAs isolated from male *Wistar* rats treated or not with ALDO (10 nM, 24 h). **Figure 1A** shows representative KCl-induced contractile responses of MA rings treated or untreated with ALDO. The vasoconstriction response of ALDO-treated MA was similar to those of control MAs (EC<sub>50</sub> for vasoconstriction in mM: 28.87 ± 0.62, *n* = 7 control arteries vs. 29.64 ± 0.45, *n* = 7 ALDO-treated arteries; *P* = 0.9534). This result contrasts with previous data, that ALDO increased the depolarization-induced vasoconstriction response of coronary arteries (Mesquita et al., 2018). This observation prompted us to measure the endogenous expression of MR and its functional activity in resistance MAs. As reported previously (Takeda et al., 1993, 1997), we corroborate the constitutive expression of MR in rat MAs (**Supplementary Figure 1**). Furthermore, ALDO treatment induced the expression of the serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (*Sgk1*), an enzyme that increases its expression in response to ALDO-MR activation in MAs (Briet et al., 2016). Our results demonstrate that the endogenous MR is functional in *ex vivo*-treated MAs.

In addition, we confirmed the specificity of MR activation for inducing the expression of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 in MAs treated with ALDO. **Figure 1B** shows representative immunoblots of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 and GAPDH (as the loading control) from ALDO-treated (10 nM, 24 h) and untreated MAs. Dispersion data graph (*below*) showed a 1.8-fold increase in Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 expression in MAs incubated with ALDO. Importantly, the addition of 1 µM RU28318, a selective MR antagonist (Kim et al., 1998), blocked the effect of ALDO on Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 expression.

### Aldosterone Increases Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca<sup>2+</sup> Content but Does Not Elevate Global Cytoplasmic Ca<sup>2+</sup> Concentration in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Previous evidence suggests a dual role of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry in VSMCs by contributing to increase global [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>cyt</sub> and vasoconstriction (Moosmang et al., 2003), and to refill SR Ca<sup>2+</sup> stores, supporting Ca<sup>2+</sup> sparks and vascular relaxation

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>
was evaluated by either Mann-Whitney rank sum test or Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA on ranks followed by Bonferroni *post-hoc* test. A P-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

## RESULTS

### Increased Expression of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 Does Not Enhance Depolarization-Induced Vasoconstriction in Aldosterone-Treated Mesenteric Arteries

We have reported previously that ALDO-induced MR activation increased Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 expression in rat vascular tissues, including resistance MAs (Mesquita et al., 2018). However, the functional outcome of the ALDO-induced Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 increased expression remained uncharacterized in MAs. Herein, we first evaluate the effect of depolarization-induced vasoconstriction in MAs isolated from male *Wistar* rats treated or not with ALDO (10 nM, 24 h). **Figure 1A** shows representative KCl-induced contractile responses of MA rings treated or untreated with ALDO. The vasoconstriction response of ALDO-treated MA was similar to those of control MAs (EC<sub>50</sub> for vasoconstriction in mM: 28.87 ± 0.62, *n* = 7 control arteries vs. 29.64 ± 0.45, *n* = 7 ALDO-treated arteries; *P* = 0.9534). This result contrasts with previous data, that ALDO increased the depolarization-induced vasoconstriction response of coronary arteries (Mesquita et al., 2018). This observation prompted us to measure the endogenous expression of MR and its functional activity in resistance MAs. As reported previously (Takeda et al., 1993, 1997), we corroborate the constitutive expression of MR in rat MAs (**Supplementary Figure 1**). Furthermore, ALDO treatment induced the expression of the serum and glucocorticoid-induced kinase 1 (*Sgk1*), an enzyme that increases its expression in response to ALDO-MR activation in MAs (Briet et al., 2016). Our results demonstrate that the endogenous MR is functional in *ex vivo*-treated MAs.

In addition, we confirmed the specificity of MR activation for inducing the expression of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 in MAs treated with ALDO. **Figure 1B** shows representative immunoblots of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 and GAPDH (as the loading control) from ALDO-treated (10 nM, 24 h) and untreated MAs. Dispersion data graph (*below*) showed a 1.8-fold increase in Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 expression in MAs incubated with ALDO. Importantly, the addition of 1 µM RU28318, a selective MR antagonist (Kim et al., 1998), blocked the effect of ALDO on Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 expression.

### Aldosterone Increases Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca<sup>2+</sup> Content but Does Not Elevate Global Cytoplasmic Ca<sup>2+</sup> Concentration in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Previous evidence suggests a dual role of Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry in VSMCs by contributing to increase global [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>cyt</sub> and vasoconstriction (Moosmang et al., 2003), and to refill SR Ca<sup>2+</sup> stores, supporting Ca<sup>2+</sup> sparks and vascular relaxation

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>
(Essin et al., 2007; Fan et al., 2018). The lack of ALDO effect in enhancing depolarization-induced vasoconstriction of MAs, despite inducing an augmented $Ca_v$1.2 expression (Figure 1), prompted us to hypothesize that $Ca_v$1.2 might provide $Ca^{2+}$ primarily for loading SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores. To determine whether the increase in $Ca_v$1.2 expression had an impact on the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels, we evaluated the effect of ALDO on global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ and SR $Ca^{2+}$ content. The latter with a challenge of caffeine (Caff, 10 mM) in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs. Figure 2A shows that global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ was similar in ALDO-treated and untreated, controls cells, even under mild depolarizing conditions (bath solution containing 20 mM $K^+$). Therefore, $Ca^{2+}$ influx due to depolarization-induced $Ca_v$1.2 activation did not increase global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ significantly. Then, we evaluated the SR $Ca^{2+}$ content by a single caffeine challenge. Figure 2B shows representative Caff-evoked $Ca^{2+}$ transients in MASMCs treated or not with ALDO. Summarized data show a significantly higher amplitude of the caffeine-induced $Ca^{2+}$ transient in MASMCs treated with ALDO with respect to control cells (Figure 2C). In addition, the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of the Caff-induced $Ca^{2+}$ transient was significantly larger in the ALDO-treated MASMCs (AUC in arbitrary units: 7,564 ± 775 in ALDO-treated group vs. 5,448 ± 630 in CONTROL group; $P \le 0.05$; $n = 15$ cells for each experimental condition). These results suggest that mild depolarizing conditions activate $Ca_v$1.2-mediated $Ca^{2+}$ influx, which mainly contributes to increasing SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores instead of increasing global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$. In the presence of the SERCA pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TGN, 100 nM) no increase in [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ was produced by an additional caffeine challenge (Supplementary Figure 2). Therefore, when SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores are empty, the application of solution with the puffer pipette is neither releasing more $Ca^{2+}$ from other $Ca^{2+}$ storage organelles nor activating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in mechanosensitive-mediated $Ca^{2+}$ entry (for instance, TRPC6 and TRPP2) (Ghosh et al., 2017).

## Aldosterone Treatment Increases $Ca_v$1.2-Mediated $Ca^{2+}$ Entry but the Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ Pump Impedes $Ca^{2+}$ Reaching the Bulk of the Cytoplasm of Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Sarco/Endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ pump transports $Ca^{2+}$ ions from the cytoplasm into the SR and contributes to maintaining luminal SR $Ca^{2+}$ levels (Flores-Soto et al., 2013). The augmented SR $Ca^{2+}$ load in ALDO-treated cells suggests that SERCA pump was involved in buffering $Ca^{2+}$ coming from the extracellular space, preventing the increase in global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$. To unmask the effect of the SERCA pump, we measured $Ca^{2+}$ entry in MASMCs preincubated with thapsigargin (TGN 100 nM, 10 min) or in its absence. Figure 3A shows representative recordings of $Ca^{2+}$ entry in Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs under all experimental conditions. After maintaining cells in the $Na^+$ and $Ca^{2+}$ free solution, the reintroduction of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increased cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ in both CTRL and ALDO-treated

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 2** | Aldosterone treatment increases SR $Ca^{2+}$ content and does not change global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs. (A) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM illustrates basal [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ before caffeine challenge determined in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs, treated (red circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) or not (empty circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) with aldosterone (ALDO 10 nM, 24 h). (B) Representative recordings of caffeine-induced [$Ca^{2+}$] transients in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs treated (ALDO, red trace) or not (CONTROL, black trace) with aldosterone (10 nM, 24 h). (C) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM of caffeine-induced $Ca^{2+}$ transient amplitude recorded at the peak of the $Ca^{2+}$ transient in MASMCs treated (red circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) or not (empty circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) with ALDO. ***$P < 0.001$ vs. control MASMCs.
(Essin et al., 2007; Fan et al., 2018). The lack of ALDO effect in enhancing depolarization-induced vasoconstriction of MAs, despite inducing an augmented $Ca_v$1.2 expression (Figure 1), prompted us to hypothesize that $Ca_v$1.2 might provide $Ca^{2+}$ primarily for loading SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores. To determine whether the increase in $Ca_v$1.2 expression had an impact on the intracellular $Ca^{2+}$ levels, we evaluated the effect of ALDO on global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ and SR $Ca^{2+}$ content. The latter with a challenge of caffeine (Caff, 10 mM) in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs. Figure 2A shows that global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ was similar in ALDO-treated and untreated, controls cells, even under mild depolarizing conditions (bath solution containing 20 mM K$^+$). Therefore, $Ca^{2+}$ influx due to depolarization-induced $Ca_v$1.2 activation did not increase global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ significantly. Then, we evaluated the SR $Ca^{2+}$ content by a single caffeine challenge. Figure 2B shows representative Caff-evoked $Ca^{2+}$ transients in MASMCs treated or not with ALDO. Summarized data show a significantly higher amplitude of the caffeine-induced $Ca^{2+}$ transient in MASMCs treated with ALDO with respect to control cells (Figure 2C). In addition, the area-under-the-curve (AUC) of the Caff-induced $Ca^{2+}$ transient was significantly larger in the ALDO-treated MASMCs (AUC in arbitrary units: 7,564 ± 775 in ALDO-treated group vs. 5,448 ± 630 in CONTROL group; $P \le 0.05$; $n = 15$ cells for each experimental condition). These results suggest that mild depolarizing conditions activate $Ca_v$1.2-mediated $Ca^{2+}$ influx, which mainly contributes to increasing SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores instead of increasing global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$. In the presence of the SERCA pump inhibitor thapsigargin (TGN, 100 nM) no increase in [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ was produced by an additional caffeine challenge (Supplementary Figure 2). Therefore, when SR $Ca^{2+}$ stores are empty, the application of solution with the puffer pipette is neither releasing more $Ca^{2+}$ from other $Ca^{2+}$ storage organelles nor activating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in mechanosensitive-mediated $Ca^{2+}$ entry (for instance, TRPC6 and TRPP2) (Ghosh et al., 2017).

## Aldosterone Treatment Increases $Ca_v$1.2-Mediated $Ca^{2+}$ Entry but the Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ Pump Impedes $Ca^{2+}$ Reaching the Bulk of the Cytoplasm of Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Sarco/Endoplasmic reticulum $Ca^{2+}$ pump transports $Ca^{2+}$ ions from the cytoplasm into the SR and contributes to maintaining luminal SR $Ca^{2+}$ levels (Flores-Soto et al., 2013). The augmented SR $Ca^{2+}$ load in ALDO-treated cells suggests that SERCA pump was involved in buffering $Ca^{2+}$ coming from the extracellular space, preventing the increase in global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$. To unmask the effect of the SERCA pump, we measured $Ca^{2+}$ entry in MASMCs preincubated with thapsigargin (TGN 100 nM, 10 min) or in its absence. Figure 3A shows representative recordings of $Ca^{2+}$ entry in Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs under all experimental conditions. After maintaining cells in the Na$^+$ and $Ca^{2+}$ free solution, the reintroduction of extracellular $Ca^{2+}$ increased cytoplasmic $Ca^{2+}$ in both CTRL and ALDO-treated

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 2** | Aldosterone treatment increases SR $Ca^{2+}$ content and does not change global [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs. (A) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM illustrates basal [$Ca^{2+}$]$_{cyt}$ before caffeine challenge determined in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs, treated (red circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) or not (empty circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) with aldosterone (ALDO 10 nM, 24 h). (B) Representative recordings of caffeine-induced [$Ca^{2+}$] transients in Fura 2-loaded MASMCs treated (ALDO, red trace) or not (CONTROL, black trace) with aldosterone (10 nM, 24 h). (C) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM of caffeine-induced $Ca^{2+}$ transient amplitude recorded at the peak of the $Ca^{2+}$ transient in MASMCs treated (red circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) or not (empty circles, $n = 16$ cells/$N = 5$ rats) with ALDO. ***$P < 0.001$ vs. control MASMCs.
A

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

C

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

D

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 3** | SERCA pump counterbalances depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ entry in ALDO-treated MASMCs. (A) Representative Ca²⁺ influx recordings (F/F₀) of Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs from control (empty circles) or ALDO-treated (red circles) cells preincubated with thapsigargin (TGN) 100 nM for 10 min (white/black and red/black circles, respectively) to block SERCA pump activity, or in its absence. Cells were kept in Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ free solution. After 2-min of frame-scan recording, cells were perfused with Na⁺ free solution (to block Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger activity) containing 1.8 mM CaCl₂ plus 20 mM KCl to induce LTCC-mediated Ca²⁺ influx. Changes in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zeiss, LSM 700) equipped with an ×63 oil immersion objective (N.A. 1.2).

(B) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM illustrates the amplitude of depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ entry (ΔF/F₀) of Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs under the different experimental conditions. The amplitude of Ca²⁺ influx was determined at minute 8 of the recording in control MASMCs (n = 17 cells/N = 4 rats, empty circles), ALDO-treated MASMCs (n = 13 cells/N = 5 rats, empty circles), control MASMCs + TGN (n = 15 cells/N = 6 rats, white/black circles) and ALDO-treated MASMCs + TGN (n = 13 cells/N = 5 rats, red/black circles), respectively. ***P < 0.001 vs. control cells; ###P < 0.001 vs. ALDO-treated cells; &&&P < 0.001 vs. control + TGN cells.

(C) Representative immunoblot image and scatterplot with mean ± SEM (below) of SERCA pump protein expression from homogenates of control MAs (empty circles), ALDO-treated MAs (red circles), and ALDO-treated MAs co-incubated with 1 µM RU28318, a selective MR antagonist (red/black circles). Data are shown as mean ± SEM of *n* = 5 experiments for each group. Each experiment was performed with a pool of 3–4 MA segments from three rats. SERCA pump expression levels were normalized to the expression of GAPDH for each independent experiment. \*P < 0.05 vs. control group. \#P < 0.05 vs. ALDO-treated group.

(D) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM of Atp2a2 relative mRNA levels determined by real-time qPCR from control MAs (empty circles, *n* = 8), ALDO-treated MAs (red circles, *n* = 8), and ALDO-treated MAs co-incubated with 1 µM RU28318 (red/black circles, *n* = 3). \*P < 0.05 vs. control group.

cells with respect to basal Ca²⁺ levels. Importantly, the increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ level was larger in ALDO-treated cells preincubated with TGN (5 min) than in cells without the SERCA inhibitor (ΔF/F₀: 0.6 ± 0.1, *n* = 15 control cells, vs. 3.1 ± 0.2, *n* = 17 control + TGN cells; and 2.1 ± 0.1, *n* = 13 ALDO-treated MASMCs vs. 5.5 ± 0.1, *n* = 13 ALDO-treated + TGN cells. **Figure 3B)**, unmasking SERCA buffering activity. We

measured the protein and mRNA levels of the SERCA pump by Western blot and qPCR, respectively (Figures 3C,D). Both were significantly increased in the ALDO group (1.7 and 1.8 folds, respectively), and blunted in the presence of RU28318 (Figures 3C,D). Given that TGN diminishes luminal SR Ca²⁺ load and stimulates store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) (Leung et al., 2008; Trebak and Putney, 2017); and also that ALDO
A

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>

C

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>

D

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 3** | SERCA pump counterbalances depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ entry in ALDO-treated MASMCs. (A) Representative Ca²⁺ influx recordings (F/F₀) of Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs from control (empty circles) or ALDO-treated (red circles) cells preincubated with thapsigargin (TGN) 100 nM for 10 min (white/black and red/black circles, respectively) to block SERCA pump activity, or in its absence. Cells were kept in Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ free solution. After 2-min of frame-scan recording, cells were perfused with Na⁺ free solution (to block Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger activity) containing 1.8 mM CaCl₂ plus 20 mM KCl to induce LTCC-mediated Ca²⁺ influx. Changes in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope (Zeiss, LSM 700) equipped with an ×63 oil immersion objective (N.A. 1.2).

(B) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM illustrates the amplitude of depolarization-induced Ca²⁺ entry (ΔF/F₀) of Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs under the different experimental conditions. The amplitude of Ca²⁺ influx was determined at minute 8 of the recording in control MASMCs (n = 17 cells/N = 4 rats, empty circles), ALDO-treated MASMCs (n = 13 cells/N = 5 rats, empty circles), control MASMCs + TGN (n = 15 cells/N = 6 rats, white/black circles) and ALDO-treated MASMCs + TGN (n = 13 cells/N = 5 rats, red/black circles), respectively. ***P < 0.001 vs. control cells; ###P < 0.001 vs. ALDO-treated cells; &&&P < 0.001 vs. control + TGN cells.

(C) Representative immunoblot image and scatterplot with mean ± SEM (below) of SERCA pump protein expression from homogenates of control MAs (empty circles), ALDO-treated MAs (red circles), and ALDO-treated MAs co-incubated with 1 µM RU28318, a selective MR antagonist (red/black circles). Data are shown as mean ± SEM of *n* = 5 experiments for each group. Each experiment was performed with a pool of 3–4 MA segments from three rats. SERCA pump expression levels were normalized to the expression of GAPDH for each independent experiment. \*P < 0.05 vs. control group. \#P < 0.05 vs. ALDO-treated group.

(D) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM of Atp2a2 relative mRNA levels determined by real-time qPCR from control MAs (empty circles, *n* = 8), ALDO-treated MAs (red circles, *n* = 8), and ALDO-treated MAs co-incubated with 1 µM RU28318 (red/black circles, *n* = 3). \*P < 0.05 vs. control group.

cells with respect to basal Ca²⁺ levels. Importantly, the increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ level was larger in ALDO-treated cells preincubated with TGN (5 min) than in cells without the SERCA inhibitor (ΔF/F₀: 0.6 ± 0.1, *n* = 15 control cells, vs. 3.1 ± 0.2, *n* = 17 control + TGN cells; and 2.1 ± 0.1, *n* = 13 ALDO-treated MASMCs vs. 5.5 ± 0.1, *n* = 13 ALDO-treated + TGN cells. **Figure 3B)**, unmasking SERCA buffering activity. We

measured the protein and mRNA levels of the SERCA pump by Western blot and qPCR, respectively (Figures 3C,D). Both were significantly increased in the ALDO group (1.7 and 1.8 folds, respectively), and blunted in the presence of RU28318 (Figures 3C,D). Given that TGN diminishes luminal SR Ca²⁺ load and stimulates store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) (Leung et al., 2008; Trebak and Putney, 2017); and also that ALDO
A

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 4** | Aldosterone treatment increases Ca²⁺ spark frequency in MASMCs. (A) Representative pseudo-colored confocal images of Ca²⁺ sparks (top) and normalized (F/F₀) fluorescence profiles (bottom) from Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs treated or not with aldosterone (ALDO 10 nM, 24 h) and preincubated or not with Nifedipine (1 µM, 10 min). The fluorescence profile was calculated in the region indicated by the green bar. (B) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM illustrates Ca²⁺ spark frequency in Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs from control (empty circles, *n* = 35 cells/*N* = 5 rats); ALDO-treated arteries (red circles, *n* = 29 cells/*N* = 4 rats); pre-incubated with Nifedipine (NIF, white/black circles, *n* = 18 cells/*N* = 4 rats); and red/black circles, *n* = 11 cells/*N* = 3 rats, respectively). **P* < 0.01 vs. control cells. #*P* < 0.05 and ###*P* < 0.001 vs. ALDO-treated group.

treatment increases SOCE and Orai1 expression in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (Sabourin et al., 2016); we measured Orai1 protein expression by immunoblotting. Our results show that Orai1 protein expression was similar in both experimental conditions (Supplementary Figure 3). Considering that the stromal interaction molecule (STIM)/Orai system is involved in SOCE (Trebak and Putney, 2017), we determined the mRNA levels of both proteins. However, no changes in mRNA levels of *Orai1* and *Stim1* were observed in ALDO-treated arteries (normalized *Orai1* mRNA levels: 1.0 ± 0.16, *n* = 4 control vs. 0.72 ± 0.11, *n* = 4 ALDO-treated samples, *P* = 0.2084; normalized *Stim1* mRNA levels: 1.0 ± 0.08, in *n* = 4 control vs. 1.15 ± 0.16, *n* = 4 ALDO-treated samples, *P* = 0.4217). These

results do not rule out the participation of additional mechanisms of Ca²⁺ entry (for instance, Ca_v3.2 and TRP channels) (Evans, 2017; Trebak and Putney, 2017; Fan et al., 2018) which might be altered by ALDO treatment and deserve further studies. Taken together, these data support the conclusion that Ca_v1.2 contributes to refilling intracellular Ca²⁺ stores in MASMCs via SERCA pump activity. To rule out the possibility that changes in SR Ca²⁺ load were associated with ALDO-induced modifications in the expression of calsequestrin-2 (CSQ2), a key SR Ca²⁺ buffering protein (Dagnino-Acosta and Guerrero-Hernández, 2009; Esfandiarei et al., 2013), we measured CSQ2 expression in Aldo-treated and untreated MAs. No differences were found in the expression of CSQ2 (Normalized CSQ2/GAPDH expression:
A

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 4** | Aldosterone treatment increases Ca²⁺ spark frequency in MASMCs. (A) Representative pseudo-colored confocal images of Ca²⁺ sparks (top) and normalized (F/F₀) fluorescence profiles (bottom) from Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs treated or not with aldosterone (ALDO 10 nM, 24 h) and preincubated or not with Nifedipine (1 µM, 10 min). The fluorescence profile was calculated in the region indicated by the green bar. (B) Scatterplot with mean ± SEM illustrates Ca²⁺ spark frequency in Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs from control (empty circles, *n* = 35 cells/*N* = 5 rats); ALDO-treated arteries (red circles, *n* = 29 cells/*N* = 4 rats); pre-incubated with Nifedipine (NIF, white/black circles, *n* = 18 cells/*N* = 4 rats); and red/black circles, *n* = 11 cells/*N* = 3 rats, respectively). **P* < 0.01 vs. control cells. #*P* < 0.05 and ###*P* < 0.001 vs. ALDO-treated group.

treatment increases SOCE and Orai1 expression in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (Sabourin et al., 2016); we measured Orai1 protein expression by immunoblotting. Our results show that Orai1 protein expression was similar in both experimental conditions (Supplementary Figure 3). Considering that the stromal interaction molecule (STIM)/Orai system is involved in SOCE (Trebak and Putney, 2017), we determined the mRNA levels of both proteins. However, no changes in mRNA levels of Orai1 and Stim1 were observed in ALDO-treated arteries (normalized Orai1 mRNA levels: 1.0 ± 0.16, *n* = 4 control vs. 0.72 ± 0.11, *n* = 4 ALDO-treated samples, *P* = 0.2084; normalized Stim1 mRNA levels: 1.0 ± 0.08, in *n* = 4 control vs. 1.15 ± 0.16, *n* = 4 ALDO-treated samples, *P* = 0.4217). These

results do not rule out the participation of additional mechanisms of Ca²⁺ entry (for instance, Ca_v3.2 and TRP channels) (Evans, 2017; Trebak and Putney, 2017; Fan et al., 2018) which might be altered by ALDO treatment and deserve further studies. Taken together, these data support the conclusion that Ca_v1.2 contributes to refilling intracellular Ca²⁺ stores in MASMCs via SERCA pump activity. To rule out the possibility that changes in SR Ca²⁺ load were associated with ALDO-induced modifications in the expression of calsequestrin-2 (CSQ2), a key SR Ca²⁺ buffering protein (Dagnino-Acosta and Guerrero-Hernández, 2009; Esfandiarei et al., 2013), we measured CSQ2 expression in Aldo-treated and untreated MAs. No differences were found in the expression of CSQ2 (Normalized CSQ2/GAPDH expression:
<table><caption>**TABLE 2** | Characteristics of Ca²⁺ spark recorded in untreated (Control) and aldosterone-treated (ALDO) mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells in the absence and presence of Nifedipine (1 µM).</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="3">Cells (n)</th><th colspan="4">+ Nifedipine</th></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Control</th><th colspan="2">ALDO</th></tr><tr><th>35</th><th>29</th><th>18</th><th>11</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Basal fluorescence (F<sub>0</sub>)</td><td>5.81 ± 0.52</td><td>5.90 ± 0.53</td><td>3.58 ± 0.25<sup>##</sup></td><td>5.78 ± 0.56</td></tr><tr><td>Frequency (events/s)</td><td>0.11 ± 0.01</td><td>0.17 ± 0.01<sup>**</sup></td><td>0.05 ± 0.01<sup>**</sup>,<sup>###</sup></td><td>0.10 ± 0.02<sup>#</sup></td></tr><tr><td>Amplitude (F/F<sub>0</sub>)</td><td>1.89 ± 0.05</td><td>1.77 ± 0.03</td><td>2.10 ± 0.09</td><td>1.91 ± 0.07</td></tr><tr><td>FWHM (µm)</td><td>1.88 ± 0.07</td><td>1.89 ± 0.06</td><td>2.05 ± 0.15</td><td>1.87 ± 0.12</td></tr><tr><td>FDHM (ms)</td><td>45.97 ± 2.36</td><td>50.25 ± 2.09</td><td>42.62 ± 4.88<sup>#</sup></td><td>37.55 ± 6.10<sup>**</sup></td></tr><tr><td>Rising time (ms)</td><td>21.80 ± 1.40</td><td>23.67 ± 1.14</td><td>18.37 ± 1.73</td><td>19.12 ± 2.48</td></tr><tr><td>Decay time (ms)</td><td>84.82 ± 16.83</td><td>79.91 ± 9.43</td><td>70.63 ± 23.22</td><td>35.29 ± 4.53</td></tr></tbody></table>

Values are mean ± SEM of indicated recorded cells (n) for each experimental condition. Confocal images of Ca²⁺ sparks were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope in line scan mode (five images per cell of 1000 lines each, at speed of 1.92 ms/line). Basal fluorescence intensity (F₀) was calculated inside the cell as the average fluorescence intensity of those pixels without sparks. Ca²⁺ spark data were obtained from nCTL = 191 events, nCTL + Nif = 35 events, nALDO = 315 events, and nALDO + Nif = 50 events. *P ≤ 0.05, and **P ≤ 0.01 vs. control condition. #P ≤ 0.05, ##P ≤ 0.01, and ###P ≤ 0.001 vs. ALDO-treated cells. FDHM, full duration at half maximum, FWHM, full width at half maximum.

1.00 ± 0.09 in the control group vs. 1.14 ± 0.26 in the ALDO-treated group; *P = 0.6; N = 5 for each experimental condition. **Supplementary Figure 4).

## Aldosterone Treatment Increases Ca²⁺ Spark Frequency in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells exhibit Ca²⁺ sparks reflecting localized Ca²⁺ release through type 2 RyR, the predominant isoform of RyRs in these cells (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014; Matsuki et al., 2018). Given that Caᵢ1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx contributes to increase SR Ca²⁺ load in MASMCs, and that Ca²⁺ spark ignition is tightly regulated by SR Ca²⁺ load due to a spatial coupling between LTCCs and RyRs, in which SERCA pump must have a role (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002; Essin et al., 2007; Takeda et al., 2011; Fan et al., 2018), we measured Ca²⁺ sparks. We previously showed that ALDO modified spatio-temporal properties of Ca²⁺ sparks in cardiomyocytes (Gómez et al., 2009); therefore, we analyzed the frequency and spatial properties of Ca²⁺ sparks in Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs by confocal microscopy. **Figure 4A** shows representative confocal images and fluorescence profiles of Ca²⁺ sparks recorded in ALDO-treated MASMCs and control cells, with and without Nifedipine (1 µM) to block Caᵢ1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ entry. We have found a significant increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency in MASMCs treated with ALDO (**Figure 4B** and **Table 2**) an effect blocked in presence of Nifedipine (**Figure 4B** and **Table 2**). In-depth analysis of Ca²⁺ sparks characteristics revealed a Nifedipine-dependent reduction of basal fluorescence (F₀) in control MASMCs, an effect that has been previously observed with diltiazem, a benzothiazepine class of LTCC channel blocker (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002). In ALDO-treated and untreated cells, Nifedipine also reduced the duration of Ca²⁺ sparks (**Table 2**). The coincubation of MASMCs with ALDO and the selective MR inhibitor RU28318 prevented the increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency induced by ALDO treatment alone (Ca²⁺

spark frequency in events/s: 0.16 ± 0.1, *n* = 29 ALDO-treated cells/*N* = 4 rats vs. 0.11 ± 0.01, *n* = 30 ALDO + RU28318-treated cells/*N* = 3 rats, *P* < 0.001). These data suggest a direct link between the MR signaling pathway activation, SR Ca²⁺ load and RyR activity in MASMCs. Changes in RyR protein expression or the expression of RyR accessory proteins might alter Ca²⁺ spark frequency and properties in VSMCs (Fernández-Velasco et al., 2014). Moreover, in ALDO-treated cardiac cells the alterations in frequency and properties of Ca²⁺ sparks were associated with downregulation of immunophilin FK506-binding proteins (FKBP12 and 12.6), which regulate RyR activity (Gómez et al., 2009); therefore, we also determined the protein expression levels of three key regulatory proteins of RyR activity in VSMCs: FKBP12.6, sorcin, and calsequestrin (Wang et al., 2004; Rueda et al., 2006; Esfandiarei et al., 2013). Immunoblot results showed a similar expression of RyR2 and its regulatory proteins in both experimental groups (**Supplementary Figure 4**).

## Aldosterone Treatment Increases Spontaneous Transient Outward Current Frequency in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

In VSMCs, Ca²⁺ sparks exert a negative feedback effect on contractility by decreasing LTCC-mediated Ca²⁺ entry due to the activation of BKCa channel and STOCs generation (Gollasch et al., 1998). Particularly, in resistance-sized MAs, spark-activated BKCa channels oppose vasoconstriction (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014), an effect also observed in cerebral arteries (Knot et al., 1998; Jaggar et al., 2000). In addition, BKCa channels have been recognized as targets of ALDO-induced MR activation in vascular cells (Liu et al., 1995; Ambroisine et al., 2007). Firstly, to assess the effect of ALDO treatment on cell size, we measured cell capacitance to estimate membrane surface area of MASMCs, as an indirect index of cell dimension. No difference in membrane capacitance was found in MASMCs of both experimental groups (in pF: 13.0 ± 1.1, *n* = 12 control cells vs. 12.38 ± 0.54, *n* = 12
<table><caption>**TABLE 2** | Characteristics of Ca²⁺ spark recorded in untreated (Control) and aldosterone-treated (ALDO) mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells in the absence and presence of Nifedipine (1 µM).</caption><thead><tr><th rowspan="3">Cells (n)</th><th colspan="4">+ Nifedipine</th></tr><tr><th colspan="2">Control</th><th colspan="2">ALDO</th></tr><tr><th>35</th><th>29</th><th>18</th><th>11</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Basal fluorescence (F<sub>0</sub>)</td><td>5.81 ± 0.52</td><td>5.90 ± 0.53</td><td>3.58 ± 0.25<sup>##</sup></td><td>5.78 ± 0.56</td></tr><tr><td>Frequency (events/s)</td><td>0.11 ± 0.01</td><td>0.17 ± 0.01<sup>**</sup></td><td>0.05 ± 0.01<sup>**</sup>,<sup>###</sup></td><td>0.10 ± 0.02<sup>#</sup></td></tr><tr><td>Amplitude (F/F<sub>0</sub>)</td><td>1.89 ± 0.05</td><td>1.77 ± 0.03</td><td>2.10 ± 0.09</td><td>1.91 ± 0.07</td></tr><tr><td>FWHM (µm)</td><td>1.88 ± 0.07</td><td>1.89 ± 0.06</td><td>2.05 ± 0.15</td><td>1.87 ± 0.12</td></tr><tr><td>FDHM (ms)</td><td>45.97 ± 2.36</td><td>50.25 ± 2.09</td><td>42.62 ± 4.88<sup>#</sup></td><td>37.55 ± 6.10<sup>**</sup></td></tr><tr><td>Rising time (ms)</td><td>21.80 ± 1.40</td><td>23.67 ± 1.14</td><td>18.37 ± 1.73</td><td>19.12 ± 2.48</td></tr><tr><td>Decay time (ms)</td><td>84.82 ± 16.83</td><td>79.91 ± 9.43</td><td>70.63 ± 23.22</td><td>35.29 ± 4.53</td></tr></tbody></table>

Values are mean ± SEM of indicated recorded cells (n) for each experimental condition. Confocal images of Ca²⁺ sparks were recorded with a laser scanning confocal microscope in line scan mode (five images per cell of 1000 lines each, at speed of 1.92 ms/line). Basal fluorescence intensity (F₀) was calculated inside the cell as the average fluorescence intensity of those pixels without sparks. Ca²⁺ spark data were obtained from nCTL = 191 events, nCTL + Nif = 35 events, nALDO = 315 events, and nALDO + Nif = 50 events. *P ≤ 0.05, and **P ≤ 0.01 vs. control condition. #P ≤ 0.05, ##P ≤ 0.01, and ###P ≤ 0.001 vs. ALDO-treated cells. FDHM, full duration at half maximum, FWHM, full width at half maximum.

1.00 ± 0.09 in the control group vs. 1.14 ± 0.26 in the ALDO-treated group; *P = 0.6; N = 5 for each experimental condition. **Supplementary Figure 4).

## Aldosterone Treatment Increases Ca²⁺ Spark Frequency in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells exhibit Ca²⁺ sparks reflecting localized Ca²⁺ release through type 2 RyR, the predominant isoform of RyRs in these cells (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014; Matsuki et al., 2018). Given that Ca_v 1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx contributes to increase SR Ca²⁺ load in MASMCs, and that Ca²⁺ spark ignition is tightly regulated by SR Ca²⁺ load due to a spatial coupling between LTCCs and RyRs, in which SERCA pump must have a role (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002; Essin et al., 2007; Takeda et al., 2011; Fan et al., 2018), we measured Ca²⁺ sparks. We previously showed that ALDO modified spatio-temporal properties of Ca²⁺ sparks in cardiomyocytes (Gómez et al., 2009); therefore, we analyzed the frequency and spatial properties of Ca²⁺ sparks in Fluo 4-loaded MASMCs by confocal microscopy. **Figure 4A** shows representative confocal images and fluorescence profiles of Ca²⁺ sparks recorded in ALDO-treated MASMCs and control cells, with and without Nifedipine (1 µM) to block Ca_v 1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ entry. We have found a significant increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency in MASMCs treated with ALDO (**Figure 4B** and **Table 2**) an effect blocked in presence of Nifedipine (**Figure 4B** and **Table 2**). In-depth analysis of Ca²⁺ sparks characteristics revealed a Nifedipine-dependent reduction of basal fluorescence (F₀) in control MASMCs, an effect that has been previously observed with diltiazem, a benzothiazepine class of LTCC channel blocker (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002). In ALDO-treated and untreated cells, Nifedipine also reduced the duration of Ca²⁺ sparks (**Table 2**). The coincubation of MASMCs with ALDO and the selective MR inhibitor RU28318 prevented the increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency induced by ALDO treatment alone (Ca²⁺

spark frequency in events/s: 0.16 ± 0.1, *n* = 29 ALDO-treated cells/*N* = 4 rats vs. 0.11 ± 0.01, *n* = 30 ALDO + RU28318-treated cells/*N* = 3 rats, *P* < 0.001). These data suggest a direct link between the MR signaling pathway activation, SR Ca²⁺ load and RyR activity in MASMCs. Changes in RyR protein expression or the expression of RyR accessory proteins might alter Ca²⁺ spark frequency and properties in VSMCs (Fernández-Velasco et al., 2014). Moreover, in ALDO-treated cardiac cells the alterations in frequency and properties of Ca²⁺ sparks were associated with downregulation of immunophilin FK506-binding proteins (FKBP12 and 12.6), which regulate RyR activity (Gómez et al., 2009); therefore, we also determined the protein expression levels of three key regulatory proteins of RyR activity in VSMCs: FKBP12.6, sorcin, and calsequestrin (Wang et al., 2004; Rueda et al., 2006; Esfandiarei et al., 2013). Immunoblot results showed a similar expression of RyR2 and its regulatory proteins in both experimental groups (**Supplementary Figure 4**).

## Aldosterone Treatment Increases Spontaneous Transient Outward Current Frequency in Mesenteric Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

In VSMCs, Ca²⁺ sparks exert a negative feedback effect on contractility by decreasing LTCC-mediated Ca²⁺ entry due to the activation of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel and STOCs generation (Gollasch et al., 1998). Particularly, in resistance-sized MAs, spark-activated BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels oppose vasoconstriction (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014), an effect also observed in cerebral arteries (Knot et al., 1998; Jaggar et al., 2000). In addition, BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels have been recognized as targets of ALDO-induced MR activation in vascular cells (Liu et al., 1995; Ambroisine et al., 2007). Firstly, to assess the effect of ALDO treatment on cell size, we measured cell capacitance to estimate membrane surface area of MASMCs, as an indirect index of cell dimension. No difference in membrane capacitance was found in MASMCs of both experimental groups (in pF: 13.0 ± 1.1, *n* = 12 control cells vs. 12.38 ± 0.54, *n* = 12
A

CONTROL

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>

C

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>

D

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>

E

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>

F

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>

G

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 5** | Aldosterone treatment increases the frequency and the amplitude of STOCs in MASMCs without modifying BK channel subunit expression. (A) Representative traces of STOCs recorded at a holding potential of -40 mV from MASMCs in the absence (CONTROL, black trace) or after 24 h-treatment with aldosterone 10 nM (ALDO, red trace). Scatterplots with mean ± SEM illustrate STOC frequency (B, normalized with respect to cell capacitance, in events/s/pF), STOC amplitude (C, normalized with respect to cell capacitance, in pA/pF), and STOC area-under-the-curve (D, in pA.s) in control MASMCs (n = 119 events/n = 12 cells/N = 4 animals, empty circles) and ALDO-treated cells (n = 333 events/n = 12 cells/N = 5 animals, red circles). \*P < 0.05, \*\*P < 0.01, and \*\*\*P < 0.001 vs. control group. (E) Histogram distribution of normalized STOC amplitudes in control (n = 119 events/n = 12 cells/N = 4 rats, white bars) and ALDO-treated MASMCs (n = 333 events/n = 12 cells/N = 5 rats, red bars) indicates the increase in the amplitude of STOCs above 3.6 pA/pF in ALDO-treated cells. (F,G) Representative immunoblot images and scatterplot with mean ± SEM of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel α subunit expression (n = 4 control samples, empty circles; n = 4 ALDO-treated samples, red circles), and β1 subunit expression (n = 5 control samples, empty triangles; n = 5 ALDO-treated samples, red triangles). Each sample was prepared with a pool of 3-4 MA segments from three rats. Values were normalized with respect to GAPDH expression.

ALDO-treated cells). Thus, we studied whether the increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency in ALDO-treated MASMCs could have an impact on BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel activity by analyzing STOC frequency and amplitude at near resting membrane potential (−40 mV) in PSS. **Figure 5A** shows representative STOC recordings in

MASMCs elicited at −40 mV. The STOC frequency was higher in ALDO-treated MASMCs than in control cells (**Figure 5B**). Moreover, STOC amplitude (**Figure 5C**) and area-under-the-curve (**Figure 5D**) were significantly increased in ALDO-treated MASMCs. **Figure 5E** shows a histogram distribution
A

CONTROL

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>

B

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>

C

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>

D

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>

E

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>

F

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /></figure>

G

<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 5** | Aldosterone treatment increases the frequency and the amplitude of STOCs in MASMCs without modifying BK channel subunit expression. (A) Representative traces of STOCs recorded at a holding potential of -40 mV from MASMCs in the absence (CONTROL, black trace) or after 24 h-treatment with aldosterone 10 nM (ALDO, red trace). Scatterplots with mean ± SEM illustrate STOC frequency (B, normalized with respect to cell capacitance, in events/s/pF), STOC amplitude (C, normalized with respect to cell capacitance, in pA/pF), and STOC area-under-the-curve (D, in pA.s) in control MASMCs (n = 119 events/n = 12 cells/N = 4 animals, empty circles) and ALDO-treated cells (n = 333 events/n = 12 cells/N = 5 animals, red circles). \*P < 0.05, \*\*P < 0.01, and \*\*\*P < 0.001 vs. control group. (E) Histogram distribution of normalized STOC amplitudes in control (n = 119 events/n = 12 cells/N = 4 rats, white bars) and ALDO-treated MASMCs (n = 333 events/n = 12 cells/N = 5 rats, red bars) indicates the increase in the amplitude of STOCs above 3.6 pA/pF in ALDO-treated cells. (F,G) Representative immunoblot images and scatterplot with mean ± SEM of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel α subunit expression (n = 4 control samples, empty circles; n = 4 ALDO-treated samples, red circles), and β1 subunit expression (n = 5 control samples, empty triangles; n = 5 ALDO-treated samples, red triangles). Each sample was prepared with a pool of 3-4 MA segments from three rats. Values were normalized with respect to GAPDH expression.

ALDO-treated cells). Thus, we studied whether the increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency in ALDO-treated MASMCs could have an impact on BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel activity by analyzing STOC frequency and amplitude at near resting membrane potential (−40 mV) in PSS. **Figure 5A** shows representative STOC recordings in

MASMCs elicited at −40 mV. The STOC frequency was higher in ALDO-treated MASMCs than in control cells (**Figure 5B**). Moreover, STOC amplitude (**Figure 5C**) and area-under-the-curve (**Figure 5D**) were significantly increased in ALDO-treated MASMCs. **Figure 5E** shows a histogram distribution
of STOC amplitudes. Aldosterone promoted the increase of STOC events with amplitudes of >3.6 pA/pF. Considering that membrane depolarization of MASMCs increased the frequency and amplitude of STOCs (Pucovský and Bolton, 2006), we measured the voltage dependence of STOC frequency and amplitude in MASMCs of both experimental groups. In ALDO-treated cells, STOC properties were significantly augmented at depolarizing holding potentials of -40 mV, -20 mV, and 0 mV, with respect to control MASMCs (Supplementary Figure 5). Because STOCs result from BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel activation (Pérez et al., 1999; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014), we determined the effect of ALDO treatment on BK channel subunit expression. **Figure 5F** shows representative immunoblots of both the pore-forming α subunit and the β1 accessory subunit of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels. Protein expression of both BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel subunits was similar between ALDO-treated and control MAs (**Figure 5G**). Therefore, the augmented STOC activity was not due to changes in BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel expression and could be attributed to the increase of Ca<sup>2+</sup> spark frequency and SR Ca<sup>2+</sup> load in ALDO-treated cells.

## Aldosterone Enhances Acetylcholine-Induced Vasorelaxation of Mesenteric Arteries

Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels through STOCs play an important role in the regulation of vascular tone by hyperpolarizing MASMCs and inducing vasorelaxation (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014). The functional coupling between Ca²⁺ sparks and STOCs promotes vasorelaxation by decreasing LTCC-mediated Ca²⁺ entry. Thus, we determine whether vasorelaxation was enhanced in our experimental model. As shown in **Figure 6**, in 60 mM KCl-precontracted MA rings the vasorelaxation response to ACh was augmented in ALDO-treated MA rings compared to control arteries (EC₅₀ for ACh-induced relaxation in mM: 0.69 ± 0.10, *n* = 6 control arteries vs. 0.37 ± 0.04, *n* = 6 ALDO-treated arteries; *P* ≤ 0.05). However, the maximal relaxation response to ACh showed a tendency to be higher in ALDO-treated MA rings with respect to control arteries; though, this tendency was not significant as illustrated by the *P* value (Maximal relaxation in %: 28.3 ± 4.8, *n* = 6 control arteries vs. 40.8 ± 5.4, *n* = 6 ALDO-treated arteries, *P* = 0.1162); These data suggest that ALDO treatment increased the sensitivity to ACh, but not the maximal relaxation response to this agonist.

## DISCUSSION

In this study, we describe the crucial role of the SERCA pump in buffering Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry in ALDO-treated MASMCs. Our work shows that a short-term (24 h) *ex vivo* exposure to 10 nM ALDO of resistance MAs: (1) increased both Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 and SERCA pump protein expressions; (2) increased depolarization-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx, luminal SR Ca<sup>2+</sup> load, and Ca<sup>2+</sup> spark and STOC frequencies; in consequence, (3) depolarization-induced vasoconstriction was unaffected as well global [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>cyt</sub>; and (4) ACh-mediated vasorelaxation was enhanced. In the presence of TGN, the reintroduction of

extracellular Ca²⁺ induced a significant increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels, unmasking the key participation of the SERCA pump in counterbalancing Ca²⁺ influx and avoiding undesired increments of global [Ca²⁺]<sub>cyt</sub>. All these data allow us to propose the model depicted in **Figure 7**. Under physiological conditions (Control, left side), Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx is directed by SERCA pump to the SR Ca²⁺ stores; this, in turn, promotes the ignition of Ca²⁺ sparks (via clusters of RyRs) and STOCs (through BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel activation). Therefore, Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs and BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels are actively working as a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain, regulating [Ca²⁺]<sub>cyt</sub>, luminal SR Ca²⁺ levels, and opposing to vasoconstriction. The exposure to 10 nM aldosterone (ALDO, right side) increases Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 protein expression and induces higher Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in MASMCs. However, the depolarization-induced vascular contraction is not enhanced because of SERCA pump upregulation, which efficiently counterbalances Ca²⁺ entry at the PM-SR nanodomain, increasing SR Ca²⁺ content, Ca²⁺ spark and STOC frequencies, and enhancing ACh-mediated vasorelaxation. The net result of this new steady-state is higher Ca²⁺ cycling at the PM-SR nanodomain, dampening unsought elevations of [Ca²⁺]<sub>cyt</sub>. However, higher luminal SR Ca²⁺ levels might also participate in enhancing receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ release and promote abnormal vasoconstriction, a hallmark feature of overactive ALDO/MR signaling pathway in chronic pathological conditions.

Cumulative evidence supports the physiological role of MR signaling in MAs. Highly specific binding of [³H]-aldosterone has been observed in rat mesenteric vascular arcade

<figure><img src="image_17.png" /><figcaption>**FIGURE 6** | Enhanced acetylcholine-mediated vasorelaxation of ALDO-treated MAs. Relaxation responses of MAs treated (ALDO, red circles) or not (CONTROL, empty circles) with aldosterone (10 nM, 24 h) to increasing concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh, from 0.001 to 1 µM). MA rings were pre-contracted with KCl 60 mM and exposed to cumulative ACh concentrations (*n* = 6 MA rings/*N* = 6 rats, for each experimental condition). Relaxation is shown as a percentage with respect to the contraction response produced by 60 mM KCl, which was taken as 100%. Data are shown as mean ± SEM. \* *P* < 0.05 vs. non-linear data fit of control arteries.</figcaption></figure>
of STOC amplitudes. Aldosterone promoted the increase of STOC events with amplitudes of >3.6 pA/pF. Considering that membrane depolarization of MASMCs increased the frequency and amplitude of STOCs (Pucovský and Bolton, 2006), we measured the voltage dependence of STOC frequency and amplitude in MASMCs of both experimental groups. In ALDO-treated cells, STOC properties were significantly augmented at depolarizing holding potentials of -40 mV, -20 mV, and 0 mV, with respect to control MASMCs (Supplementary Figure 5). Because STOCs result from BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel activation (Pérez et al., 1999; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014), we determined the effect of ALDO treatment on BK channel subunit expression. Figure 5F shows representative immunoblots of both the pore-forming α subunit and the β1 accessory subunit of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels. Protein expression of both BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel subunits was similar between ALDO-treated and control MAs (Figure 5G). Therefore, the augmented STOC activity was not due to changes in BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel expression and could be attributed to the increase of Ca<sup>2+</sup> spark frequency and SR Ca<sup>2+</sup> load in ALDO-treated cells.

## Aldosterone Enhances Acetylcholine-Induced Vasorelaxation of Mesenteric Arteries

Large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels through STOCs play an important role in the regulation of vascular tone by hyperpolarizing MASMCs and inducing vasorelaxation (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014). The functional coupling between Ca²⁺ sparks and STOCs promotes vasorelaxation by decreasing LTCC-mediated Ca²⁺ entry. Thus, we determine whether vasorelaxation was enhanced in our experimental model. As shown in Figure 6, in 60 mM KCl-precontracted MA rings the vasorelaxation response to ACh was augmented in ALDO-treated MA rings compared to control arteries (EC₅₀ for ACh-induced relaxation in mM: 0.69 ± 0.10, n = 6 control arteries vs. 0.37 ± 0.04, n = 6 ALDO-treated arteries; P ≤ 0.05). However, the maximal relaxation response to ACh showed a tendency to be higher in ALDO-treated MA rings with respect to control arteries; though, this tendency was not significant as illustrated by the *P* value (Maximal relaxation in %: 28.3 ± 4.8, n = 6 control arteries vs. 40.8 ± 5.4, n = 6 ALDO-treated arteries, *P* = 0.1162); These data suggest that ALDO treatment increased the sensitivity to ACh, but not the maximal relaxation response to this agonist.

## DISCUSSION

In this study, we describe the crucial role of the SERCA pump in buffering Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry in ALDO-treated MASMCs. Our work shows that a short-term (24 h) *ex vivo* exposure to 10 nM ALDO of resistance MAs: (1) increased both Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 and SERCA pump protein expressions; (2) increased depolarization-induced Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx, luminal SR Ca<sup>2+</sup> load, and Ca<sup>2+</sup> spark and STOC frequencies; in consequence, (3) depolarization-induced vasoconstriction was unaffected as well global [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>cyt</sub>; and (4) ACh-mediated vasorelaxation was enhanced. In the presence of TGN, the reintroduction of

extracellular Ca²⁺ induced a significant increase in cytoplasmic Ca²⁺ levels, unmasking the key participation of the SERCA pump in counterbalancing Ca²⁺ influx and avoiding undesired increments of global [Ca²⁺]<sub>cyt</sub>. All these data allow us to propose the model depicted in Figure 7. Under physiological conditions (Control, left side), Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx is directed by SERCA pump to the SR Ca²⁺ stores; this, in turn, promotes the ignition of Ca²⁺ sparks (via clusters of RyRs) and STOCs (through BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel activation). Therefore, Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs and BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels are actively working as a functional unit at the PM-SR nanodomain, regulating [Ca²⁺]<sub>cyt</sub>, luminal SR Ca²⁺ levels, and opposing to vasoconstriction. The exposure to 10 nM aldosterone (ALDO, right side) increases Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2 protein expression and induces higher Ca<sub>v</sub>1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in MASMCs. However, the depolarization-induced vascular contraction is not enhanced because of SERCA pump upregulation, which efficiently counterbalances Ca²⁺ entry at the PM-SR nanodomain, increasing SR Ca²⁺ content, Ca²⁺ spark and STOC frequencies, and enhancing ACh-mediated vasorelaxation. The net result of this new steady-state is higher Ca²⁺ cycling at the PM-SR nanodomain, dampening unsought elevations of [Ca²⁺]<sub>cyt</sub>. However, higher luminal SR Ca²⁺ levels might also participate in enhancing receptor-mediated Ca²⁺ release and promote abnormal vasoconstriction, a hallmark feature of overactive ALDO/MR signaling pathway in chronic pathological conditions.

Cumulative evidence supports the physiological role of MR signaling in MAs. Highly specific binding of [³H]-aldosterone has been observed in rat mesenteric vascular arcade

<figure><img src="image_19.png" /><figcaption>**FIGURE 6** | Enhanced acetylcholine-mediated vasorelaxation of ALDO-treated MAs. Relaxation responses of MAs treated (ALDO, red circles) or not (CONTROL, empty circles) with aldosterone (10 nM, 24 h) to increasing concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh, from 0.001 to 1 µM). MA rings were pre-contracted with KCl 60 mM and exposed to cumulative ACh concentrations (n = 6 MA rings/N = 6 rats, for each experimental condition). Relaxation is shown as a percentage with respect to the contraction response produced by 60 mM KCl, which was taken as 100%. Data are shown as mean ± SEM. \* *P* < 0.05 vs. non-linear data fit of control arteries.</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_18.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 7** | Proposed model for ALDO-mediated upregulation of the functional unit that controls Ca²⁺ dynamics at the SR-PM nanodomain of MASMCs. In normal conditions (CONTROL, left) K⁺-mediated membrane depolarization induces a Ca²⁺ influx via Caᵥ 1.2 (LTCCs). This Ca²⁺ entry is buffered by the SERCA pump toward the luminal SR Ca²⁺ reservoirs activating RyRs (Ca²⁺ sparks) and BKCa channels (STOCs). Caᵥ 1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs and BKCa channels work as a functional unit in the PM-SR nanodomain regulating [Ca²⁺]cyt, luminal SR Ca²⁺ levels, and opposing vasoconstriction. The treatment of MAs with aldosterone (ALDO, right) increases Caᵥ 1.2 protein expression and induces higher Ca²⁺ entry in MASMCs. However, the depolarization-induced vascular contraction was not enhanced because of the upregulation of this functional unit, which involves increased expression and activity of SERCA pump controlling abnormal Ca²⁺ influx at the PM-SR nanodomain, increasing SR Ca²⁺ content, Ca²⁺ spark and STOC frequencies, opposing to depolarization-induced vasoconstriction and enhancing ACh-mediated vasorelaxation.

(Funder et al., 1989). In addition, MR, aldosterone synthase and 11-BHSD2 activity, key proteins of the local ALDO system are found in MAs (Takeda et al., 1993, 1997). Because over-activation of the MR/ALDO signaling pathway has been associated with vascular dysfunction (Schiffrin, 2006); it is thus reasonable to consider that either the chronic exposure to pathological levels of ALDO or the increased expression of vascular MR might promote vascular damage, endothelial dysfunction, and altered vasorelaxation (Virdis et al., 2002; Pu et al., 2003; Schiffrin, 2006; Nguyen Dinh Cat et al., 2010). More recent evidence from our laboratories has shown that the activation of the ALDO/RM pathway upregulates Caᵥ 1.2 expression in MAs (Mesquita et al., 2018); however, the effect of ALDO-induced MR activation on key Ca²⁺ handling proteins of the PM-SR nanodomain, such as SERCA pump, RyRs, and BKCa channels has remained elusive; and this work demonstrates that the compensatory increased expression of SERCA pump counterbalanced the higher activity of Caᵥ 1.2 channels.

Increased vascular resistance and vascular reactivity could be attributable to the thickening of the vascular walls as part of the maladaptive vessel changes in hypertension (Folkow, 1978). Therefore, to rule out the effects of chronic ALDO-mediated maladaptive vessel changes; and to avoid unsought Angiotensin II-induced vascular MR activation (Jaffe and Mendelsohn, 2005); we studied the effects of ALDO in rat MAs *ex vivo* following a previously described protocol (Mesquita et al., 2018) and our results demonstrate that short-term treatment with ALDO induced changes involving SERCA pump upregulation which precedes all the chronic maladaptive effects in MAs.

The precise control of [Ca²⁺]cyt in MASMCs is crucial for regulating their physiological activity; and LTCCs have a prominent role in Ca²⁺ entry, regulating myogenic tone, arterial diameter, and BP (Moosmang et al., 2003; Fan et al., 2018). In spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR), the chronic elevation of ALDO induces the upregulation of LTCCs in MAs, which has been associated with increased Ca²⁺ influx and vascular reactivity (Cox and Lozinskaya, 1995; Matsuda et al., 1997; Pratt et al., 2002). However, contrary to what might have been expected, we found no increase in depolarization-induced vasoconstriction, as previously reported in coronary arteries exposed to ALDO under similar experimental conditions (Mesquita et al., 2018). One explanation for this discrepancy could be distinct molecular targets activated by the ALDO/MR signaling pathway between vascular tissues. For instance, SERCA pump expression is augmented in mesenteric arteries but, to our knowledge, there is no data available about SERCA pump expression in coronary arteries exposed to ALDO in similar conditions used in this work (10 nM, 24 h). Therefore, we propose that SERCA efficiently counterbalances abnormal Ca²⁺ influx in some types of arteries (i.e., mesenteric arteries) but probably not in others (i.e., coronary arteries). This idea is further supported by reports showing that when LTCCs are activated through K⁺-mediated membrane depolarization maneuvers, vasoconstriction responses of mesenteric and cerebral arteries are unaffected even in conditions of ALDO/MR signaling pathway over-activation (Suzuki et al., 1994; Xavier et al., 2008; Chrissobolis et al., 2014).

Once membrane depolarization is initiated, several processes act in concert to control [Ca²⁺]cyt elevation, including (1) negative feedback mechanisms that decrease Ca²⁺ influx; for
<figure><img src="image_20.png" /></figure>

**FIGURE 7** | Proposed model for ALDO-mediated upregulation of the functional unit that controls Ca²⁺ dynamics at the SR-PM nanodomain of MASMCs. In normal conditions (CONTROL, *left*) K⁺-mediated membrane depolarization induces a Ca²⁺ influx via Caᵥ 1.2 (LTCCs). This Ca²⁺ entry is buffered by the SERCA pump toward the luminal SR Ca²⁺ reservoirs activating RyRs (Ca²⁺ sparks) and BKCa channels (STOCs). Caᵥ 1.2, SERCA pump, RyRs and BKCa channels work as a functional unit in the PM-SR nanodomain regulating [Ca²⁺]cyt, luminal SR Ca²⁺ levels, and opposing vasoconstriction. The treatment of MAs with aldosterone (ALDO, *right*) increases Caᵥ 1.2 protein expression and induces higher Ca²⁺ entry in MASMCs. However, the depolarization-induced vascular contraction was not enhanced because of the upregulation of this functional unit, which involves increased expression and activity of SERCA pump controlling abnormal Ca²⁺ influx at the PM-SR nanodomain, increasing SR Ca²⁺ content, Ca²⁺ spark and STOC frequencies, opposing to depolarization-induced vasoconstriction and enhancing ACh-mediated vasorelaxation.

(Funder et al., 1989). In addition, MR, aldosterone synthase and 11-BHSD2 activity, key proteins of the local ALDO system are found in MAs (Takeda et al., 1993, 1997). Because over-activation of the MR/ALDO signaling pathway has been associated with vascular dysfunction (Schiffrin, 2006); it is thus reasonable to consider that either the chronic exposure to pathological levels of ALDO or the increased expression of vascular MR might promote vascular damage, endothelial dysfunction, and altered vasorelaxation (Virdis et al., 2002; Pu et al., 2003; Schiffrin, 2006; Nguyen Dinh Cat et al., 2010). More recent evidence from our laboratories has shown that the activation of the ALDO/RM pathway upregulates Caᵥ1.2 expression in MAs (Mesquita et al., 2018); however, the effect of ALDO-induced MR activation on key Ca²⁺ handling proteins of the PM-SR nanodomain, such as SERCA pump, RyRs, and BKCa channels has remained elusive; and this work demonstrates that the compensatory increased expression of SERCA pump counterbalanced the higher activity of Caᵥ1.2 channels.

Increased vascular resistance and vascular reactivity could be attributable to the thickening of the vascular walls as part of the maladaptive vessel changes in hypertension (Folkow, 1978). Therefore, to rule out the effects of chronic ALDO-mediated maladaptive vessel changes; and to avoid unsought Angiotensin II-induced vascular MR activation (Jaffe and Mendelsohn, 2005); we studied the effects of ALDO in rat MAs *ex vivo* following a previously described protocol (Mesquita et al., 2018) and our results demonstrate that short-term treatment with ALDO induced changes involving SERCA pump upregulation which precedes all the chronic maladaptive effects in MAs.

The precise control of [Ca²⁺]cyt in MASMCs is crucial for regulating their physiological activity; and LTCCs have a prominent role in Ca²⁺ entry, regulating myogenic tone, arterial diameter, and BP (Moosmang et al., 2003; Fan et al., 2018). In spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR), the chronic elevation of ALDO induces the upregulation of LTCCs in MAs, which has been associated with increased Ca²⁺ influx and vascular reactivity (Cox and Lozinskaya, 1995; Matsuda et al., 1997; Pratt et al., 2002). However, contrary to what might have been expected, we found no increase in depolarization-induced vasoconstriction, as previously reported in coronary arteries exposed to ALDO under similar experimental conditions (Mesquita et al., 2018). One explanation for this discrepancy could be distinct molecular targets activated by the ALDO/MR signaling pathway between vascular tissues. For instance, SERCA pump expression is augmented in mesenteric arteries but, to our knowledge, there is no data available about SERCA pump expression in coronary arteries exposed to ALDO in similar conditions used in this work (10 nM, 24 h). Therefore, we propose that SERCA efficiently counterbalances abnormal Ca²⁺ influx in some types of arteries (i.e., mesenteric arteries) but probably not in others (i.e., coronary arteries). This idea is further supported by reports showing that when LTCCs are activated through K⁺-mediated membrane depolarization maneuvers, vasoconstriction responses of mesenteric and cerebral arteries are unaffected even in conditions of ALDO/MR signaling pathway over-activation (Suzuki et al., 1994; Xavier et al., 2008; Chrissobolis et al., 2014).

Once membrane depolarization is initiated, several processes act in concert to control [Ca²⁺]cyt elevation, including (1) negative feedback mechanisms that decrease Ca²⁺ influx; for
instance, Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation of LTTCs, and BKCa channel activation which induces membrane hyperpolarization and decreases the open probability of LTCCs; (2) cytosolic Ca²⁺ buffering by proteins such as sorcin and calmodulin; and (3) Ca²⁺ removal mechanisms at the PM-SR nanodomain which include the SERCA pump, the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (Kamishima and McCarron, 1996; Van Breemen et al., 2013; Evans, 2017). Our data support the notion that SERCA pump, RyR2, and BKCa channels act simultaneously to control abnormal Ca₁.₂-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in MAs treated with ALDO. Importantly, our data also highlight the crucial role of the superficial buffer barrier in SMCs in controlling Ca²⁺ influx. Van Breemen et al. (1995) have postulated the existence of a superficial and fenestrated surface of the SR separated from the plasma membrane by a narrow space that generates a barrier to Ca²⁺ entry via Ca₁.₂ channels. Then, extracellular Ca²⁺ is effectively captured toward the luminal SR Ca²⁺ stores by the SERCA pump limiting its access to the bulk myoplasm (Chen and van Breemen, 1993; Van Breemen et al., 1995; Van Breemen et al., 2013). Because SMC contraction relies on the increment of [Ca²⁺]cyt due to Ca²⁺ influx and Ca²⁺ release from SR Ca²⁺ stores (Flores-Soto et al., 2013); and occurs only when actin-myosin myofilaments are activated by Ca²⁺ reaching the deep myoplasm, not by Ca²⁺ localized in the space between the plasma membrane and the superficial SR (Van Breemen et al., 1995), it is possible to reduce the force of contraction when the rate of Ca²⁺ influx is controlled (Casteels and Droogmans, 1981). Interestingly, vasoconstriction response to α-adrenoceptor is augmented in MAs of DOCA-salt rats but not depolarization-induced contraction (Perry and Webb, 1991; Suzuki et al., 1994) supporting the idea that contraction is related more to the rate than to the extent of Ca²⁺ entry (Casteels and Droogmans, 1981).

L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels also contribute to refilling luminal SR Ca²⁺ load via SERCA pump activity and are involved in the formation of Ca²⁺ sparks, which induce vasorelaxation (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014; Fan et al., 2018). In fact, the tight coupling between Caᵥ1.2 and RyR is not required for Caᵥ1.2 to initiate Ca²⁺ sparks in MASMCs. Instead, the Caᵥ1.2 channel contributes to [Ca²⁺]cyt, which in turn activates the SERCA pump, increases SR Ca²⁺ load, and triggers Ca²⁺ sparks (Essin et al., 2007; Fan et al., 2018). Interestingly, the Caᵥ3.2 channel is also involved in the ignition of Ca²⁺ sparks, though by a direct mechanism in which its localization in caveolae and close apposition to RyRs is crucial to trigger Ca²⁺ sparks in MASMCs. Despite Caᵥ3.2 channel has a smaller participation in the generation of Ca²⁺ sparks with respect to Ca₁.₂ channel (Fan et al., 2018); additional work is required to delineate its specific contribution to Ca²⁺ spark ignition in ALDO-treated MASMCs.

Thus, in our experimental model, we hypothesize that Caᵥ1.2 is the predominant pathway to provide Ca²⁺ for loading SR Ca²⁺ stores; and that the SERCA pump has a crucial role in the control of Caᵥ1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx. In agreement with this idea, we demonstrate that blocking Ca²⁺ entry with Nifedipine significantly reduced Ca²⁺ spark frequency, suggesting that the

SERCA pump mediates Ca²⁺ store refilling and, in consequence, Ca²⁺ spark generation.

Reports about ALDO effects on the expression and activity of the SERCA pump are scarce. In this regard, a study has shown that the treatment of human aortic SMCs with ALDO decreased SERCA2a transcription (Chou et al., 2015). Specifically, this work demonstrated that 48-h ALDO exposure (10 nM and 100 nM) reduced SERCA2 protein expression and SERCA2a mRNA levels. Aldosterone inhibited the expression of SERCA2a through MR-dependent mitochondrial DNA-specific transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M (Chou et al., 2015). Our work also provides evidence for an MR-mediated genomic pathway inducing the increase of SERCA pump mRNA levels. However, we did not examine the transcription factor involved in this response. An alternative mechanism could be that increased intracellular Ca²⁺ levels promote SERCA pump expression in VSMCs (Wu et al., 2001). Previous works have shown that resting [Ca²⁺]cyt is augmented (1.6-fold over controls) in aortic SMCs of ALDO-salt hypertensive rats (Liu et al., 1995), which might increase SERCA pump expression (Levitsky et al., 1993). However, our results demonstrate that [Ca²⁺]cyt is not elevated in ALDO-treated MASMCs, arguing against this mechanism. Moreover, an MR antagonist blocked the ALDO-mediated increase in SERCA pump mRNA and protein expression; therefore, an MR-mediated, tissue-specific genomic pathway is involved. Given that rat MAs express SERCA2a and SERCA2b isoforms (Lagaud et al., 1999), our data do not clarify whether one or both isoforms responded to ALDO treatment. We think that SERCA2a might be sensitive to ALDO because this isoform increases the rate of Ca²⁺ store refilling in VSMCs, maintaining a high SR Ca²⁺ concentration (Bobe et al., 2011). However, this hypothesis awaits further studies.

Regarding ALDO effects on RyR expression and activity, this work is the first to report that short-term treatment with ALDO increases Ca²⁺ spark frequency in MASMCs. Previously, we have demonstrated that ALDO/MR signaling pathway activation augmented Ca²⁺ spark frequency and altered Ca²⁺ spark properties in cardiomyocytes, which was associated with the downregulation of FKBP12 and FKBP12.6, accessory proteins of the RyR macromolecular complex (Gómez et al., 2009). Likely, we found an increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency of ALDO-treated MASMCs but FKBP12.6 expression remained unchanged; therefore, this does not explain the change in Ca²⁺ spark frequency. In our hands, the increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency was associated with the increased SR Ca²⁺ load in ALDO-treated MAs, because the addition of Nifedipine, an LTCC blocker, effectively reduced the frequency of these local Ca²⁺ events, even in ALDO-treated cells. This result agrees with previous publications (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002; Fan et al., 2018). Diltiazem belongs to the benzothiazepine subclass of Ca²⁺ channel antagonists and blocks Caᵥ1.2 in resting state, but membrane depolarization enhances its inhibitory effect (Tang et al., 2019). This attribute explains the inhibitory effect on Ca²⁺ sparks in VSMC under resting, non-depolarizing conditions (bath solution containing
instance, Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation of LTTCs, and BKCa channel activation which induces membrane hyperpolarization and decreases the open probability of LTCCs; (2) cytosolic Ca²⁺ buffering by proteins such as sorcin and calmodulin; and (3) Ca²⁺ removal mechanisms at the PM-SR nanodomain which include the SERCA pump, the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, and the plasma membrane Ca²⁺ ATPase (Kamishima and McCarron, 1996; Van Breemen et al., 2013; Evans, 2017). Our data support the notion that SERCA pump, RyR2, and BKCa channels act simultaneously to control abnormal Ca₁.₂-mediated Ca²⁺ influx in MAs treated with ALDO. Importantly, our data also highlight the crucial role of the superficial buffer barrier in SMCs in controlling Ca²⁺ influx. Van Breemen et al. (1995) have postulated the existence of a superficial and fenestrated surface of the SR separated from the plasma membrane by a narrow space that generates a barrier to Ca²⁺ entry via Ca₁.₂ channels. Then, extracellular Ca²⁺ is effectively captured toward the luminal SR Ca²⁺ stores by the SERCA pump limiting its access to the bulk myoplasm (Chen and van Breemen, 1993; Van Breemen et al., 1995; Van Breemen et al., 2013). Because SMC contraction relies on the increment of [Ca²⁺]cyt due to Ca²⁺ influx and Ca²⁺ release from SR Ca²⁺ stores (Flores-Soto et al., 2013); and occurs only when actin-myosin myofilaments are activated by Ca²⁺ reaching the deep myoplasm, not by Ca²⁺ localized in the space between the plasma membrane and the superficial SR (Van Breemen et al., 1995), it is possible to reduce the force of contraction when the rate of Ca²⁺ influx is controlled (Casteels and Droogmans, 1981). Interestingly, vasoconstriction response to α-adrenoceptor is augmented in MAs of DOCA-salt rats but not depolarization-induced contraction (Perry and Webb, 1991; Suzuki et al., 1994) supporting the idea that contraction is related more to the rate than to the extent of Ca²⁺ entry (Casteels and Droogmans, 1981).

L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels also contribute to refilling luminal SR Ca²⁺ load via SERCA pump activity and are involved in the formation of Ca²⁺ sparks, which induce vasorelaxation (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002; Krishnamoorthy et al., 2014; Fan et al., 2018). In fact, the tight coupling between Ca_v1.2 and RyR is not required for Ca_v1.2 to initiate Ca²⁺ sparks in MASMCs. Instead, the Ca_v1.2 channel contributes to [Ca²⁺]cyt, which in turn activates the SERCA pump, increases SR Ca²⁺ load, and triggers Ca²⁺ sparks (Essin et al., 2007; Fan et al., 2018). Interestingly, the Ca_v3.2 channel is also involved in the ignition of Ca²⁺ sparks, though by a direct mechanism in which its localization in caveolae and close apposition to RyRs is crucial to trigger Ca²⁺ sparks in MASMCs. Despite Ca_v3.2 channel has a smaller participation in the generation of Ca²⁺ sparks with respect to Ca_v1.2 channel (Fan et al., 2018); additional work is required to delineate its specific contribution to Ca²⁺ spark ignition in ALDO-treated MASMCs.

Thus, in our experimental model, we hypothesize that Ca_v1.2 is the predominant pathway to provide Ca²⁺ for loading SR Ca²⁺ stores; and that the SERCA pump has a crucial role in the control of Ca_v1.2-mediated Ca²⁺ influx. In agreement with this idea, we demonstrate that blocking Ca²⁺ entry with Nifedipine significantly reduced Ca²⁺ spark frequency, suggesting that the

SERCA pump mediates Ca²⁺ store refilling and, in consequence, Ca²⁺ spark generation.

Reports about ALDO effects on the expression and activity of the SERCA pump are scarce. In this regard, a study has shown that the treatment of human aortic SMCs with ALDO decreased SERCA2a transcription (Chou et al., 2015). Specifically, this work demonstrated that 48-h ALDO exposure (10 nM and 100 nM) reduced SERCA2 protein expression and SERCA2a mRNA levels. Aldosterone inhibited the expression of SERCA2a through MR-dependent mitochondrial DNA-specific transcription factors TFAM and TFB2M (Chou et al., 2015). Our work also provides evidence for an MR-mediated genomic pathway inducing the increase of SERCA pump mRNA levels. However, we did not examine the transcription factor involved in this response. An alternative mechanism could be that increased intracellular Ca²⁺ levels promote SERCA pump expression in VSMCs (Wu et al., 2001). Previous works have shown that resting [Ca²⁺]cyt is augmented (1.6-fold over controls) in aortic SMCs of ALDO-salt hypertensive rats (Liu et al., 1995), which might increase SERCA pump expression (Levitsky et al., 1993). However, our results demonstrate that [Ca²⁺]cyt is not elevated in ALDO-treated MASMCs, arguing against this mechanism. Moreover, an MR antagonist blocked the ALDO-mediated increase in SERCA pump mRNA and protein expression; therefore, an MR-mediated, tissue-specific genomic pathway is involved. Given that rat MAs express SERCA2a and SERCA2b isoforms (Lagaud et al., 1999), our data do not clarify whether one or both isoforms responded to ALDO treatment. We think that SERCA2a might be sensitive to ALDO because this isoform increases the rate of Ca²⁺ store refilling in VSMCs, maintaining a high SR Ca²⁺ concentration (Bobe et al., 2011). However, this hypothesis awaits further studies.

Regarding ALDO effects on RyR expression and activity, this work is the first to report that short-term treatment with ALDO increases Ca²⁺ spark frequency in MASMCs. Previously, we have demonstrated that ALDO/MR signaling pathway activation augmented Ca²⁺ spark frequency and altered Ca²⁺ spark properties in cardiomyocytes, which was associated with the downregulation of FKBP12 and FKBP12.6, accessory proteins of the RyR macromolecular complex (Gómez et al., 2009). Likely, we found an increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency of ALDO-treated MASMCs but FKBP12.6 expression remained unchanged; therefore, this does not explain the change in Ca²⁺ spark frequency. In our hands, the increase in Ca²⁺ spark frequency was associated with the increased SR Ca²⁺ load in ALDO-treated MAs, because the addition of Nifedipine, an LTCC blocker, effectively reduced the frequency of these local Ca²⁺ events, even in ALDO-treated cells. This result agrees with previous publications (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002; Fan et al., 2018). Diltiazem belongs to the benzothiazepine subclass of Ca²⁺ channel antagonists and blocks Ca_v1.2 in resting state, but membrane depolarization enhances its inhibitory effect (Tang et al., 2019). This attribute explains the inhibitory effect on Ca²⁺ sparks in VSMC under resting, non-depolarizing conditions (bath solution containing
6 mM K⁺) (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002). Nifedipine belongs to the dihydropyridine subclass of LTCC blockers and exhibits prominent a voltage-dependent antagonism, according to which its potency increases with the level of depolarization. This justifies, in part, the general vascular selectivity of Nifedipine over other Ca²⁺ channel blockers (Triggle, 1991). Consistent with this feature, in the present work, Nifedipine reduced the frequency and duration of Ca²⁺ sparks in both experimental groups under mild-depolarized conditions (PSS-20K).

Depolarization of MASMCs increased the frequency and amplitude of STOCs and elicited Ca²⁺ sparks from Ca²⁺ discharge regions (Pucovský and Bolton, 2006). Moreover, in VSMCs of the transgenic mouse with VSMC-specific Ca₁.₂ channel gene inactivation (SMAKO mouse), both frequency and amplitude of STOCs were reduced, together with decreased cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and SR Ca²⁺ load (Essin et al., 2007). Accordingly, we observed an increase in STOC and spark activities associated with higher Ca₁.₂ and SERCA pump protein expressions. Although, Ca²⁺ influx through Ca₁.₂ channels is the primary source of Ca²⁺ for triggering Ca²⁺ sparks (70–80%) in MASMCs; an additional Ca²⁺ source is provided by Ca₃.₂ channels (20–30%) (Fan et al., 2018). Besides, higher micromolar concentrations of Nifedipine may interfere with T-type Ca²⁺ channel activity (Abd El-Rahman et al., 2013). Therefore, future work is needed to delineate the specific contribution of Ca₁.₂ and Ca₃.₂ to Ca²⁺ spark generation in ALDO-treated MASMCs.

Existing evidence shows an association between ALDO/MR signaling pathway, vascular BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel expression, and activity. In a mouse model with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the aldosterone synthase gene (MAS mice), an impairment in ACh-induced vasorelaxation, associated with decreased mRNA expression of α and β₁ subunits of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels in coronary arteries has been reported (Ambroisine et al., 2007). Although BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel protein expression levels were not determined, the β₁ subunit of the BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel showed a similar expression in immunostainings of freshly isolated coronary arteries (Ambroisine et al., 2007). In contrast, in the SMC-MR-KO mouse no difference was found in mRNA expression of α and β₁ subunits of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel in aorta (McCurley et al., 2012); similarly to our results in coronary arteries treated with ALDO (Mesquita et al., 2018). Further experiments with the SMC-MR-KO mouse will be helpful to corroborate our results.

In contrast with previous results in coronary arteries (Mesquita et al., 2018), we found a higher sensitivity of ACh-mediated vasorelaxation after 24-h ALDO treatment. This result can be explained by the increased SERCA-mediated SR Ca²⁺ load, and augmented Spark-STOC activity. On the other hand, chronic effects of ALDO can lead to an impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of MAs (Xavier et al., 2008). The pre-treatment of chronically exposed MAs to ALDO with indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), resulted in a recovery of the sensitivity to ACh without modification of the ACh-mediated maximal vasodilation response (Xavier et al., 2008). The latter similar to our results, suggesting the lack

of endothelial damage in our experimental conditions. Rapid vasodilator action of ALDO has been described to depend on MR receptor activation, enhancing the production of nitric oxide (NO) (Davel et al., 2017). Therefore, endothelial MRs (EC-MR) could potentially contribute to ALDO effects in MAs. However, the EC-MR may not be involved in the enhanced ACh-induced vasorelaxation observed in our experimental model of ALDO-treated MAs, based on the following considerations. First, EC-MR-mediated vasodilator actions of ALDO occur in minutes after the mineralocorticoid application (Davel et al., 2017), while our study evaluates ALDO effects after 24-h treatment. Second, we have shown previously that the endothelial layer is not involved in ALDO effects on coronary and aorta vasoconstriction (Mesquita et al., 2018). Third, it has been suggested that EC-MR does not play a significant role in the control of vascular function in non-disease states (Mueller et al., 2015). Finally, NO-mediated relaxation of MAs from a mouse model over-expressing EC-MR was similar to control (Nguyen Dinh Cat et al., 2010). Interestingly, EC protection is lost when cardiovascular risk factors are present (Jaffe and Jaisser, 2014; Davel et al., 2017; DuPont and Jaffe, 2017). Therefore, the role of EC-MR in MAs deserves more studies, specifically under pathological conditions.

This work highlights the intricacies of tissue-specific MR signaling and the differential actors of MR signaling across vascular beds, contributing to ALDO-associated impairments of vascular functions and blood flow control. Initial functional changes induced by ALDO are adaptive, but in chronic pathological conditions will become maladaptive, leading to poor vascular function, vascular remodeling, and poor compliant arteries as observed in hypertension; thus, further delineation of the MR-induced molecular pathways that control vascular SERCA2 expression will require additional analysis.

## New and Noteworthy

Cumulative evidence has shown that the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is found in vascular tissues where regulates expression and activity of ion channels that participate in Ca²⁺ handling of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but none of these studies had evaluated the effect of ALDO/MR signaling pathway on the functional unit that regulates vascular function, comprising Ca₁.₂, SERCA pump, Ryanodine receptors, and BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels, and we aimed to study it comprehensively. Our work provides novel evidence about ALDO-induced upregulation of this functional unit unveiling the crucial role of the SERCA pump in counterbalancing Ca₁.₂-mediated Ca²⁺ influx at the subplasmalemmal space of mesenteric artery SMCs. This work highlights the intricacies of tissue-specific MR signaling and the differential actors of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway across vascular beds, contributing to ALDO-associated impairments of vascular functions. Initial functional changes induced by ALDO are adaptive, but in chronic pathological conditions, they would become maladaptive leading to vascular dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and poor compliant arteries as observed in hypertension.
6 mM K⁺) (Cheranov and Jaggar, 2002). Nifedipine belongs to the dihydropyridine subclass of LTCC blockers and exhibits prominent a voltage-dependent antagonism, according to which its potency increases with the level of depolarization. This justifies, in part, the general vascular selectivity of Nifedipine over other Ca²⁺ channel blockers (Triggle, 1991). Consistent with this feature, in the present work, Nifedipine reduced the frequency and duration of Ca²⁺ sparks in both experimental groups under mild-depolarized conditions (PSS-20K).

Depolarization of MASMCs increased the frequency and amplitude of STOCs and elicited Ca²⁺ sparks from Ca²⁺ discharge regions (Pucovský and Bolton, 2006). Moreover, in VSMCs of the transgenic mouse with VSMC-specific Ca₁.₂ channel gene inactivation (SMAKO mouse), both frequency and amplitude of STOCs were reduced, together with decreased cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels and SR Ca²⁺ load (Essin et al., 2007). Accordingly, we observed an increase in STOC and spark activities associated with higher Ca₁.₂ and SERCA pump protein expressions. Although, Ca²⁺ influx through Ca₁.₂ channels is the primary source of Ca²⁺ for triggering Ca²⁺ sparks (70–80%) in MASMCs; an additional Ca²⁺ source is provided by Ca₃.₂ channels (20–30%) (Fan et al., 2018). Besides, higher micromolar concentrations of Nifedipine may interfere with T-type Ca²⁺ channel activity (Abd El-Rahman et al., 2013). Therefore, future work is needed to delineate the specific contribution of Ca₁.₂ and Ca₃.₂ to Ca²⁺ spark generation in ALDO-treated MASMCs.

Existing evidence shows an association between ALDO/MR signaling pathway, vascular BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel expression, and activity. In a mouse model with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of the aldosterone synthase gene (MAS mice), an impairment in ACh-induced vasorelaxation, associated with decreased mRNA expression of α and β₁ subunits of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels in coronary arteries has been reported (Ambroisine et al., 2007). Although BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel protein expression levels were not determined, the β₁ subunit of the BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel showed a similar expression in immunostainings of freshly isolated coronary arteries (Ambroisine et al., 2007). In contrast, in the SMC-MR-KO mouse no difference was found in mRNA expression of α and β₁ subunits of BK<sub>Ca</sub> channel in aorta (McCurley et al., 2012); similarly to our results in coronary arteries treated with ALDO (Mesquita et al., 2018). Further experiments with the SMC-MR-KO mouse will be helpful to corroborate our results.

In contrast with previous results in coronary arteries (Mesquita et al., 2018), we found a higher sensitivity of ACh-mediated vasorelaxation after 24-h ALDO treatment. This result can be explained by the increased SERCA-mediated SR Ca²⁺ load, and augmented Spark-STOC activity. On the other hand, chronic effects of ALDO can lead to an impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of MAs (Xavier et al., 2008). The pre-treatment of chronically exposed MAs to ALDO with indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), resulted in a recovery of the sensitivity to ACh without modification of the ACh-mediated maximal vasodilation response (Xavier et al., 2008). The latter similar to our results, suggesting the lack

of endothelial damage in our experimental conditions. Rapid vasodilator action of ALDO has been described to depend on MR receptor activation, enhancing the production of nitric oxide (NO) (Davel et al., 2017). Therefore, endothelial MRs (EC-MR) could potentially contribute to ALDO effects in MAs. However, the EC-MR may not be involved in the enhanced ACh-induced vasorelaxation observed in our experimental model of ALDO-treated MAs, based on the following considerations. First, EC-MR-mediated vasodilator actions of ALDO occur in minutes after the mineralocorticoid application (Davel et al., 2017), while our study evaluates ALDO effects after 24-h treatment. Second, we have shown previously that the endothelial layer is not involved in ALDO effects on coronary and aorta vasoconstriction (Mesquita et al., 2018). Third, it has been suggested that EC-MR does not play a significant role in the control of vascular function in non-disease states (Mueller et al., 2015). Finally, NO-mediated relaxation of MAs from a mouse model over-expressing EC-MR was similar to control (Nguyen Dinh Cat et al., 2010). Interestingly, EC protection is lost when cardiovascular risk factors are present (Jaffe and Jaisser, 2014; Davel et al., 2017; DuPont and Jaffe, 2017). Therefore, the role of EC-MR in MAs deserves more studies, specifically under pathological conditions.

This work highlights the intricacies of tissue-specific MR signaling and the differential actors of MR signaling across vascular beds, contributing to ALDO-associated impairments of vascular functions and blood flow control. Initial functional changes induced by ALDO are adaptive, but in chronic pathological conditions will become maladaptive, leading to poor vascular function, vascular remodeling, and poor compliant arteries as observed in hypertension; thus, further delineation of the MR-induced molecular pathways that control vascular SERCA2 expression will require additional analysis.

## New and Noteworthy

Cumulative evidence has shown that the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is found in vascular tissues where regulates expression and activity of ion channels that participate in Ca²⁺ handling of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), but none of these studies had evaluated the effect of ALDO/MR signaling pathway on the functional unit that regulates vascular function, comprising Ca₁.₂, SERCA pump, Ryanodine receptors, and BK<sub>Ca</sub> channels, and we aimed to study it comprehensively. Our work provides novel evidence about ALDO-induced upregulation of this functional unit unveiling the crucial role of the SERCA pump in counterbalancing Ca₁.₂-mediated Ca²⁺ influx at the subplasmalemmal space of mesenteric artery SMCs. This work highlights the intricacies of tissue-specific MR signaling and the differential actors of the ALDO/MR signaling pathway across vascular beds, contributing to ALDO-associated impairments of vascular functions. Initial functional changes induced by ALDO are adaptive, but in chronic pathological conditions, they would become maladaptive leading to vascular dysfunction, vascular remodeling, and poor compliant arteries as observed in hypertension.
## DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

## ETHICS STATEMENT

The animal study was reviewed and approved by COMITÉ INTERNO PARA EL CUIDADO Y USO DE LOS ANIMALES DE LABORATORIO (CICUAL) Cinvestav.

## AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

RS-E contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, data collecting, data analysis, and writing. AG-H contributed to the conceptualization, resources, review and editing. AG contributed to the conceptualization, resources, funding acquisition, and review and editing. J-PB contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, resources, funding acquisition, and review and editing. AR contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, data analysis, writing, resources, funding acquisition, and review and editing. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

## FUNDING

This work was supported by program Conacyt ECOS-Nord France (Evaluatio-orientation de la COopération Scientifique)

## REFERENCES

* Abd El-Rahman, R. R., Harraz, O. F., Brett, S. E., Anfinogenova, Y., Mufti, R. E., Goldman, D., et al. (2013). Identification of L- and T-type Ca2+ channels in rat cerebral arteries: role in myogenic tone development. *Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.* 304, H58-H71. doi: 10.1152/AJPHEART.00476.2012

* Acelajado, M. C., Hughes, Z. H., Oparil, S., and Calhoun, D. A. (2019). Treatment of resistant and refractory hypertension. *Circ. Res.* 124, 1061-1070. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.31S2156

* Ambroisine, M. L., Favre, J., Oliviero, P., Rodriguez, C., Gao, J., Thuillez, C., et al. (2007). Aldosterone-induced coronary dysfunction in transgenic mice involves the calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels of vascular smooth muscle cells. *Circulation* 116, 2435-2443. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.722009

* Bartoli, F., Bailey, M. A., Rode, B., Mateo, P., Antigny, F., Bedouet, K., et al. (2020). Orai1 channel inhibition preserves left ventricular systolic function and normal Ca2+ handling after pressure overload. *Circulation* 141, 199-216. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038891

* Bénitah, J. P., and Vassort, G. (1999). Aldosterone upregulates Ca2+ current in adult rat cardiomyocytes. *Circ. Res.* 85, 1139-1145. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.85.12.1139

* Bobe, R., Hadri, L., Lopez, J. J., Sassi, Y., Atassi, F., Karakikes, I., et al. (2011). SERCA2a controls the mode of agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ signal, transcription factor NFAT and proliferation in human vascular smooth muscle cells. *J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol.* 50, 621-633. doi: 10.1016/j.YJMCC.2010.12.016

* Briet, M., Barhoumi, T., Mian, M. O. R., Coelho, S. C., Ouerd, S., Rautureau, Y., et al. (2016). Aldosterone-induced vascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction require functional angiotensin type 1a receptors. *Hypertension* 67, 897-905. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.07074

project No. M13S01 to J-PB and AR. By Fundación Miguel Alemán A.C., by Fondo SEP-Cinvestav project No. 601410 FIDSC 2018/2; and by Fondo Sectorial de Investigación para la Educación de Conacyt (Project # A1-S-9082) to AR. By Agence National de la Recherche, ANR-19-CE-0031-01 to AG. RS-E was a CONACYT Ph.D. fellow.

## ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to Dr. Beatriz Xoconostle (Department of Biotechnology, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico) for giving us access to a real-time qPCR equipment. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity and expert guidance of Dr. Boris Manoury with the wire myograph system. We also thank Dr. Thássio R. Mesquita Ribeiro and Dr. Nohemi A. Camacho Concha for their critical advice during the development of this project. We acknowledge the technical assistance of Martha Mercado Morales and Juan Carlos García Torres; and the invaluable help of the specialists at the Proteomic, Genomic, and Metabolomic Unit (LaNSE, Cinvestav-IPN). Anti-sorcin antibody was a generous gift from Dr. Héctor H. Valdivia (University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States).

## SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.834220/full#supplementary-material

* Casteels, R., and Droogmans, G. (1981). Exchange characteristics of the noradrenaline-sensitive calcium store in vascular smooth muscle cells or rabbit ear artery. *J. Physiol.* 317, 263-279. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1981.sp013824

* Chen, Q., and van Breemen, C. (1993). The superficial buffer barrier in venous smooth muscle: sarcoplasmic reticulum refilling and unloading. *Br. J. Pharmacol.* 109, 336-343. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1993.tb13575.x

* Cheranov, S. Y., and Jaggar, J. H. (2002). Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium load regulates rat arterial smooth muscle calcium sparks and transient K Ca currents. *J. Physiol.* 544, 71-84. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2002.025197

* Chou, C. H., Chen, Y. H., Hung, C. S., Chang, Y. Y., Tzeng, Y. L., Wu, X. M., et al. (2015). Aldosterone impairs vascular smooth muscle function: from clinical to bench research. *J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.* 100, 4339-4347. doi: 10.1210/jc.2015-2752

* Chrissobolis, S., Drummond, G. R., Faraci, F. M., and Sobey, C. G. (2014). Chronic aldosterone administration causes Nox2-mediated increases in reactive oxygen species production and endothelial dysfunction in the cerebral circulation. *J. Hypertens.* 32, 1815-1821. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000259

* Cox, R. H., and Lozinskaya, I. M. (1995). Augmented calcium currents in mesenteric artery branches of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. *Hypertension* 26, 1060-1064. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.26.6.1060

* Dagnino-Acosta, A., and Guerrero-Hernández, A. (2009). Variable luminal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) buffer capacity in smooth muscle cells. *Cell Calcium* 46, 188-196. doi: 10.1016/j.ceca.2009.07.005

* Davel, A. P., Anwar, I. J., and Jaffe, I. Z. (2017). The endothelial mineralocorticoid receptor: mediator of the switch from vascular health to disease. *Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens.* 26, 97-104. doi: 10.1097/MNH.00000000000000306

* de Alba-Aguayo, D. R., Pavón, N., Mercado-Morales, M., Miranda-Saturnino, M., López-Casamichana, M., Guerrero-Hernández, A., et al. (2017). Increased calcium leak associated with reduced calsequestrin expression in hyperthyroid cardiomyocytes. *Cell Calcium* 62, 29-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.01.009
## DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors, without undue reservation.

## ETHICS STATEMENT

The animal study was reviewed and approved by COMITÉ INTERNO PARA EL CUIDADO Y USO DE LOS ANIMALES DE LABORATORIO (CICUAL) Cinvestav.

## AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS

RS-E contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, data collecting, data analysis, and writing. AG-H contributed to the conceptualization, resources, review and editing. AG contributed to the conceptualization, resources, funding acquisition, and review and editing. J-PB contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, resources, funding acquisition, and review and editing. AR contributed to the conceptualization, methodology, data analysis, writing, resources, funding acquisition, and review and editing. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

## FUNDING

This work was supported by program Conacyt ECOS-Nord France (Evaluatio-orientation de la COopération Scientifique)

## REFERENCES

* Abd El-Rahman, R. R., Harraz, O. F., Brett, S. E., Anfinogenova, Y., Mufti, R. E., Goldman, D., et al. (2013). Identification of L- and T-type Ca2+ channels in rat cerebral arteries: role in myogenic tone development. *Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol.* 304, H58-H71. doi: 10.1152/AJPHEART.00476.2012

* Acelajado, M. C., Hughes, Z. H., Oparil, S., and Calhoun, D. A. (2019). Treatment of resistant and refractory hypertension. *Circ. Res.* 124, 1061-1070. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.118.31S2156

* Ambroisine, M. L., Favre, J., Oliviero, P., Rodriguez, C., Gao, J., Thuillez, C., et al. (2007). Aldosterone-induced coronary dysfunction in transgenic mice involves the calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels of vascular smooth muscle cells. *Circulation* 116, 2435-2443. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.107.722009

* Bartoli, F., Bailey, M. A., Rode, B., Mateo, P., Antigny, F., Bedouet, K., et al. (2020). Orai1 channel inhibition preserves left ventricular systolic function and normal Ca2+ handling after pressure overload. *Circulation* 141, 199-216. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.038891

* Bénitah, J. P., and Vassort, G. (1999). Aldosterone upregulates Ca2+ current in adult rat cardiomyocytes. *Circ. Res.* 85, 1139-1145. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.85.12.1139

* Bobe, R., Hadri, L., Lopez, J. J., Sassi, Y., Atassi, F., Karakikes, I., et al. (2011). SERCA2a controls the mode of agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ signal, transcription factor NFAT and proliferation in human vascular smooth muscle cells. *J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol.* 50, 621-633. doi: 10.1016/j.YJMCC.2010.12.016

* Briet, M., Barhoumi, T., Mian, M. O. R., Coelho, S. C., Ouerd, S., Rautureau, Y., et al. (2016). Aldosterone-induced vascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction require functional angiotensin type 1a receptors. *Hypertension* 67, 897-905. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.07074

project No. M13S01 to J-PB and AR. By Fundación Miguel Alemán A.C., by Fondo SEP-Cinvestav project No. 601410 FIDSC 2018/2; and by Fondo Sectorial de Investigación para la Educación de Conacyt (Project # A1-S-9082) to AR. By Agence National de la Recherche, ANR-19-CE-0031-01 to AG. RS-E was a CONACYT Ph.D. fellow.

## ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to Dr. Beatriz Xoconostle (Department of Biotechnology, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico) for giving us access to a real-time qPCR equipment. We gratefully acknowledge the generosity and expert guidance of Dr. Boris Manoury with the wire myograph system. We also thank Dr. Thássio R. Mesquita Ribeiro and Dr. Nohemi A. Camacho Concha for their critical advice during the development of this project. We acknowledge the technical assistance of Martha Mercado Morales and Juan Carlos García Torres; and the invaluable help of the specialists at the Proteomic, Genomic, and Metabolomic Unit (LaNSE, Cinvestav-IPN). Anti-sorcin antibody was a generous gift from Dr. Héctor H. Valdivia (University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States).

## SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.834220/full#supplementary-material

* Casteels, R., and Droogmans, G. (1981). Exchange characteristics of the noradrenaline-sensitive calcium store in vascular smooth muscle cells or rabbit ear artery. *J. Physiol.* 317, 263-279. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.1981.sp013824

* Chen, Q., and van Breemen, C. (1993). The superficial buffer barrier in venous smooth muscle: sarcoplasmic reticulum refilling and unloading. *Br. J. Pharmacol.* 109, 336-343. doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1993.tb13575.x

* Cheranov, S. Y., and Jaggar, J. H. (2002). Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium load regulates rat arterial smooth muscle calcium sparks and transient K Ca currents. *J. Physiol.* 544, 71-84. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2002.025197

* Chou, C. H., Chen, Y. H., Hung, C. S., Chang, Y. Y., Tzeng, Y. L., Wu, X. M., et al. (2015). Aldosterone impairs vascular smooth muscle function: from clinical to bench research. *J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab.* 100, 4339-4347. doi: 10.1210/jc.2015-2752

* Chrissobolis, S., Drummond, G. R., Faraci, F. M., and Sobey, C. G. (2014). Chronic aldosterone administration causes Nox2-mediated increases in reactive oxygen species production and endothelial dysfunction in the cerebral circulation. *J. Hypertens.* 32, 1815-1821. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000000259

* Cox, R. H., and Lozinskaya, I. M. (1995). Augmented calcium currents in mesenteric artery branches of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. *Hypertension* 26, 1060-1064. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.26.6.1060

* Dagnino-Acosta, A., and Guerrero-Hernández, A. (2009). Variable luminal sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) buffer capacity in smooth muscle cells. *Cell Calcium* 46, 188-196. doi: 10.1016/j.ceca.2009.07.005

* Davel, A. P., Anwar, I. J., and Jaffe, I. Z. (2017). The endothelial mineralocorticoid receptor: mediator of the switch from vascular health to disease. *Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens.* 26, 97-104. doi: 10.1097/MNH.00000000000000306

* de Alba-Aguayo, D. R., Pavón, N., Mercado-Morales, M., Miranda-Saturnino, M., López-Casamichana, M., Guerrero-Hernández, A., et al. (2017). Increased calcium leak associated with reduced calsequestrin expression in hyperthyroid cardiomyocytes. *Cell Calcium* 62, 29-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.01.009
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Krishnamoorthy, G., Sonkusare, S. K., Heppner, T. J., and Nelson, M. T. (2014). Opposing roles of smooth muscle BK channels and ryanodine receptors in the regulation of nerve-evoked constriction of mesenteric resistance arteries. *Am. J. Physiol. Hear. Circ. Physiol.* 306:H981. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00866. 2013

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Lalevée, N., Rebsamen, M. C., Barrère-Lemaire, S., Perrier, E., Nargeot, J., Bénitah, J. P., et al. (2005). Aldosterone increases T-type calcium channel expression and *in vitro* beating frequency in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. *Cardiovasc. Res.* 67, 216-224. doi: 10.1016/j.cardiores.2005.05.009

Leung, F. P., Yung, L. M., Yao, X., Laher, I., and Huang, Y. (2008). Store-operated calcium entry in vascular smooth muscle. *Br. J. Pharmacol.* 153, 846-857. doi: 10.1038/sj.bp.0707455

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Mesquita, T. R., Auguste, G., Falcón, D., Ruiz-Hurtado, G., Salazar-Enciso, R., Sabourin, J., et al. (2018). Specific activation of the alternative cardiac promoter of cacna1c by the mineralocorticoid receptor. *Circ. Res.* 122, e49-e61. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.312451

Moosmang, S., Schulla, V., Welling, A., Feil, R., Feil, S., Wegener, J. W., et al. (2003). Dominant role of smooth muscle L-type calcium channel Cav1.2 for blood pressure regulation. *EMBO J.* 22, 6027-6034. doi: 10.1093/emboj/cd g583

Mueller, K. B., Bender, S. B., Hong, K., Yang, Y., Aronovitz, M., Jaisser, F., et al. (2015). Endothelial mineralocorticoid receptors differentially contribute to coronary and mesenteric vascular function without modulating blood pressure. *Hypertension* 66, 988-997. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.06172

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Jaggar, J. H., Wellman, G. C., Heppner, T. J., Porter, V. A., Perez, G. J., Gollasch, M., et al. (1998). Ca2+ channels, ryanodine receptors and Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels: a functional unit for regulating arterial tone. *Acta Physiol. Scand.* 164, 577-587. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-201X.1998.00462.x

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Kim, P. J., Cole, M. A., Kalman, B. A., and Spencer, R. L. (1998). Evaluation of RU28318 and RU40555 as selective mineralocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists, respectively: receptor measures and functional studies. *J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol.* 67, 213-222. doi: 10.1016/ s0960-0760(98)00095-8

Knot, H. J., Standen, N. B., and Nelson, M. T. (1998). Ryanodine receptors regulate arterial diameter and wall [Ca2+] in cerebral arteries of rat via Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. *J. Physiol.* 508, 211-221. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.1998.211br.x

Krishnamoorthy, G., Sonkusare, S. K., Heppner, T. J., and Nelson, M. T. (2014). Opposing roles of smooth muscle BK channels and ryanodine receptors in the regulation of nerve-evoked constriction of mesenteric resistance arteries. *Am. J. Physiol. Hear. Circ. Physiol.* 306:H981. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00866. 2013

Lagaud, G. J., Randriamboavonjy, V., Roul, G., Stoclet, J. C., and Andriantsitohaina, R. (1999). Mechanism of Ca2+ release and entry during contraction elicited by norepinephrine in rat resistance arteries. *Am. J. Physiol.* 276, H300-H308.

Lalevée, N., Rebsamen, M. C., Barrère-Lemaire, S., Perrier, E., Nargeot, J., Bénitah, J. P., et al. (2005). Aldosterone increases T-type calcium channel expression and *in vitro* beating frequency in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. *Cardiovasc. Res.* 67, 216-224. doi: 10.1016/j.cardiores.2005.05.009

Leung, F. P., Yung, L. M., Yao, X., Laher, I., and Huang, Y. (2008). Store-operated calcium entry in vascular smooth muscle. *Br. J. Pharmacol.* 153, 846-857. doi: 10.1038/sj.bp.0707455

Levitsky, D., Clergue, M., Lambert, F., Souponitskayas, V., Jemtelfl, T. H., Le Lecarpentier, Y., et al. (1993). Sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium transport and Ca2+ -ATPase gene expression in thoracic and abdominal aortas of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. *J. Biol. Chem.* 268, 8325- 8331. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)53099-4

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Lombés, M., Oblin, M. E., Gasc, J. M., Baulieu, E. E., Farman, N., and Bonvalet, J. P. (1992). Immunohistochemical and biochemical evidence for a cardiovascular mineralocorticoid receptor. *Circ. Res.* 71, 503-510. doi: 10.1161/01.res.71.3.503

Mangelsdorf, D. J., Thummel, C., Beato, M., Herrlich, P., Schütz, G., Umesono, K., et al. (1995). The nuclear receptor superfamily: the second decade. *Cell* 83, 835-839. doi: 10.1016/0092-8674(95)90199-x

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McCurley, A., Pires, P. W., Bender, S. B., Aronovitz, M., Zhao, M. J., Metzger, D., et al. (2012). Direct regulation of blood pressure by smooth muscle cell mineralocorticoid receptors. *Nat. Med.* 18, 1429-1433. doi: 10.1038/nm.2891

Mesquita, T. R., Auguste, G., Falcón, D., Ruiz-Hurtado, G., Salazar-Enciso, R., Sabourin, J., et al. (2018). Specific activation of the alternative cardiac promoter of cacna1c by the mineralocorticoid receptor. *Circ. Res.* 122, e49-e61. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.117.312451

Moosmang, S., Schulla, V., Welling, A., Feil, R., Feil, S., Wegener, J. W., et al. (2003). Dominant role of smooth muscle L-type calcium channel Cav1.2 for blood pressure regulation. *EMBO J.* 22, 6027-6034. doi: 10.1093/emboj/cd g583

Mueller, K. B., Bender, S. B., Hong, K., Yang, Y., Aronovitz, M., Jaisser, F., et al. (2015). Endothelial mineralocorticoid receptors differentially contribute to coronary and mesenteric vascular function without modulating blood pressure. *Hypertension* 66, 988-997. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.115.06172

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Nelson, M. T., Cheng, H., Rubart, M., Santana, L. F., Bonev, A. D., Knot, H. J., et al. (1995). Relaxation of arterial smooth muscle by calcium sparks. *Science* 270, 633-637. doi: 10.1126/science.270.5236.633

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