Inhibition of ca²⁺ uptake into A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells by farnesol: Lack of effect on membrane fluidity and Ca²⁺‐ATPase activities

Previous studies have shown that farnesol, a 15-carbon nonsterol derivative of mevalonic acid, inhibits vasoconstriction. Because of its lipophilic properties, we hypothesized that farnesol increased membrane dynamics, thus reducing uptake of Ca²⁺ and contraction. To characterize the effect of farnesol on cell membrane fluidity. The study was conducted using A7r5 cells, a rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell line. Inhibition of Ca²⁺ uptake by farnesol was first established in these cells. Then, the effect of farnesol on membrane dynamics was determined. Finally, to ascertain that activation of Ca²⁺ extrusion and reuptake processes by farnesol did not occur, Ca²⁺ -ATPase activity was examined.