pubmed-article:18622043 | pubmed:abstractText | Smooth muscle cells (SMC) constitute the major contractile cell population of blood vessels and inner organs. SMC contraction depends on energy provided by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) catabolism, which can be generated through oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria or by anaerobic glycolysis. Mitochondrial activity may also modulate smooth muscle tone by biotransformation of vasoactive mediators. Here, we study the role of mitochondrial DNA gene expression for vascular function in vivo. | lld:pubmed |