Localized intracellular calcium signaling in muscle: calcium sparks and calcium quarks

Depolarization-induced Ca2+ release in ischemic spinal cord white matter involves L-type Ca2+ channel activation of ryanodine receptors

The mechanisms of Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores in CNS white matter remain undefined. In rat dorsal columns, electrophysiological recordings showed that in vitro ischemia caused severe injury, which persisted after removal of extracellular Ca(2+); Ca(2+) imaging confirmed that an axoplasmic Ca(2+) rise persisted in Ca(2+)-free perfusate. However, depletion of Ca(2+) stores or reduction of ischemic depolarization (low Na(+), TTX) were protective, but only in Ca(2+)-free bath. Ryanodine or blockers of L-type Ca(2+) channel voltage sensors (nimodipine, diltiazem, but not Cd(2+)) were also protective in zero Ca(2+), but their effects were not additive with ryanodine. Immunoprecipitation revealed an association between L-type Ca(2+) channels and RyRs, and immunohistochemistry confirmed colocalization of Ca(2+) channels and RyR clusters on axons. Similar to "excitation-contraction coupling" in skeletal muscle, these results indicate a functional coupling whereby depolarization sensed by L-type Ca(2+) channels activates RyRs, thus releasing damaging amounts of Ca(2+) under pathological conditions in white matter.

Calcium signalling: dynamics, homeostasis and remodelling

Ca2+ is a highly versatile intracellular signal that operates over a wide temporal range to regulate many different cellular processes. An extensive Ca2+-signalling toolkit is used to assemble signalling systems with very different spatial and temporal dynamics. Rapid highly localized Ca2+ spikes regulate fast responses, whereas slower responses are controlled by repetitive global Ca2+ transients or intracellular Ca2+ waves. Ca2+ has a direct role in controlling the expression patterns of its signalling systems that are constantly being remodelled in both health and disease.

Modulation of the interactions of isolated ryanodine receptors of rabbit skeletal muscle by Na+ and K+

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) of skeletal muscle, as calcium release channels, have been found to form semicrystalline arrays in the membrane of sarcoplasmic reticulum. Recently, both experimental observations and theoretical simulations suggested cooperative coupling within interlocking RyRs. To better understand the interactions between RyRs and their modulation, the aggregation and dissociation of isolated RyRs in aqueous medium containing various Na(+) and K(+) concentrations were investigated using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). RyRs aggregated readily at low salt concentrations. However, a different behavior was observed in the presence of Na(+) or K(+). Detectable aggregates were formed in 5 microg/mL RyR sample when the concentration of Na(+) and K(+) was reduced from 1 M to below 0.28 and 0.23 M, respectively. The dissociation of RyR aggregates was also examined when raising the salt concentration. While aggregates formed in 0.15 M NaCl medium could reverse almost completely, those formed in 0.15 M KCl medium only dissolved partly. When keeping the total salt concentration at 0.15 M, the aggregation and dissociation of RyRs were seen to evidently depend on the relative concentration of Na(+) and K(+). The interaction between RyRs was strengthened with increasing Na(+)/K(+) ratios in the mixed medium. Accompanying this, a decrease of [(3)H]ryanodine binding occurred. The results obtained with PCS and AFM provide further evidence for the interaction between RyRs and suggest the importance of Na(+), K(+), and their relative composition in modulating the interaction and cooperation between RyRs in vivo.

Spatiotemporal features of Ca2+ buffering and diffusion in atrial cardiac myocytes with inhibited sarcoplasmic reticulum

Ca(2+) signaling in cells is largely governed by Ca(2+) diffusion and Ca(2+) binding to mobile and stationary Ca(2+) buffers, including organelles. To examine Ca(2+) signaling in cardiac atrial myocytes, a mathematical model of Ca(2+) diffusion was developed which represents several subcellular compartments, including a subsarcolemmal space with restricted diffusion, a myofilament space, and the cytosol. The model was used to quantitatively simulate experimental Ca(2+) signals in terms of amplitude, time course, and spatial features. For experimental reference data, L-type Ca(2+) currents were recorded from atrial cells with the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique. Ca(2+) signals were simultaneously imaged with the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator Fluo-3 and a laser-scanning confocal microscope. The simulations indicate that in atrial myocytes lacking T-tubules, Ca(2+) movement from the cell membrane to the center of the cells relies strongly on the presence of mobile Ca(2+) buffers, particularly when the sarcoplasmic reticulum is inhibited pharmacologically. Furthermore, during the influx of Ca(2+) large and steep concentration gradients are predicted between the cytosol and the submicroscopically narrow subsarcolemmal space. In addition, the computations revealed that, despite its low Ca(2+) affinity, ATP acts as a significant buffer and carrier for Ca(2+), even at the modest elevations of [Ca(2+)](i) reached during influx of Ca(2+).

Luminal Ca2+ controls termination and refractory behavior of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in cardiac myocytes

Despite extensive research, the mechanisms responsible for the graded nature and early termination of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in cardiac muscle remain poorly understood. Suggested mechanisms include cytosolic Ca2+-dependent inactivation/adaptation and luminal Ca2+-dependent deactivation of the SR Ca2+ release channels/ryanodine receptors (RyRs). To explore the importance of cytosolic versus luminal Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms in controlling CICR, we assessed the impact of intra-SR Ca2+ buffering on global and local Ca2+ release properties of patch-clamped or permeabilized rat ventricular myocytes. Exogenous, low-affinity Ca2+ buffers (5 to 20 mmol/L ADA, citrate or maleate) were introduced into the SR by exposing the cells to "internal" solutions containing the buffers. Enhanced Ca2+ buffering in the SR was confirmed by an increase in the total SR Ca2+ content, as revealed by application of caffeine. At the whole-cell level, intra-SR [Ca2+] buffering dramatically increased the magnitude of Ca2+ transients induced by I(Ca) and deranged the smoothly graded I(Ca)-SR Ca2+ release relationship. The amplitude and time-to-peak of local Ca2+ release events, Ca2+ sparks, as well as the duration of local Ca2+ release fluxes underlying sparks were increased up to 2- to 3-fold. The exogenous Ca2+ buffers in the SR also reduced the frequency of repetitive activity observed at individual release sites in the presence of the RyR activator Imperatoxin A. We conclude that regulation of RyR openings by local intra-SR [Ca2+] is responsible for termination of CICR and for the subsequent restitution behavior of Ca2+ release sites in cardiac muscle.

Patterns of intracellular and intercellular Ca2+ waves in the longitudinal muscle layer of the murine large intestine in vitro

Ca2+ wave activity was monitored in the longitudinal (LM) layer of isolated murine caecum and proximal colon at 35 degrees C with fluo-4 AM and an iCCD camera. Both intracellular (within LM cells) and intercellular (also spreading from cell to cell) Ca2+ waves were observed. Intracellular Ca2+ waves were associated with a lack of muscle movement whereas intercellular Ca2+ waves, which were five times more intense than intracellular waves, were often associated with localized contractions. Several intracellular Ca2+ waves were present at the same time in individual LM cells. Waves in adjacent LM cells were not coordinated and were unaffected by TTX (1 microM) but were blocked by IP3 receptor antagonists xestospongin-C (Xe-C; 2 microM) or 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate (2-APB; 25 microM), and by ryanodine (10 microM). Caffeine (5 mM) restored wave activity following blockade with Xe-C. NiCl2 (1 mM) blocked intracellular Ca2+ waves, and nicardipine (2 microM) reduced their frequency and intensity, but did not affect their velocity, suggesting the sarcoplasmic reticulum may be fuelled by extracellular Ca2+ entry. Intercellular Ca2+ waves often occurred in bursts and propagated rapidly across sizeable regions of the LM layer and were blocked by heptanol (0.5 mM). Intercellular Ca2+ waves were dependent upon neural activity, external Ca2+ entry through L-type Ca2+ channels, and amplification via calcium-induced calcium release (CICR). In conclusion, intracellular Ca2+ waves, which may reduce muscle excitability, are confined to individual LM cells. They depend upon Ca2+ release from internal Ca2+ stores and are likely to be fuelled by extracellular Ca2+ entry. Intercellular Ca2+ waves, which are likely to underlie smooth muscle tone, mixing and propulsion, depend upon neural activity, muscle action potential propagation and amplification by CICR.

Spatial characteristics of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release events triggered by L-type Ca2+ current and Na+ current in guinea-pig cardiac myocytes

Ca2+ signals in cardiac muscle cells are composed of spatially limited elementary events termed Ca2+ sparks. Several studies have also indicated that Ca2+ signals smaller than Ca2+ sparks can be elicited. These signals have been termed Ca2+ quarks and were proposed to result from the opening of a single Ca2+ release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. We used laser-scanning confocal microscopy to examine the subcellular properties of Na+ current (I(Na))- and L-type Ca2+ current (I(Ca,L))-induced Ca2+ transients in voltage-clamped ventricular myocytes isolated from guinea-pigs. Both currents, I(Na) and I(Ca,L), evoked substantial, global Ca2+ transients. To examine the spatiotemporal properties of such Ca2+ signals, we performed power spectral analysis of these Ca2+ transients and found that both lacked spatial frequency components characteristic for Ca2+ sparks. The application of 10 microM verapamil to partially block L-type Ca2+ current reduced the corresponding Ca2+ transients down to individual Ca2+ sparks. In contrast, I(Na)-induced Ca2+ responses were still spatially homogeneous and lacked Ca2+ sparks even for small current amplitudes. By using high resistance patch pipettes (> 4 MOmega) to exaggerate the loss of voltage control during I(Na), Ca2+ sparks appeared superimposed on a homogeneous Ca2+ release component and were exclusively triggered during the flow of I(Na). In the presence of 10 microM ryanodine both I(Ca,L) and I(Na) elicited small, residual Ca2+ transients that were spatially homogeneous but displayed distinctively different temporal profiles. We conclude that I(Na) is indeed able to cause Ca2+ release in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. In contrast to I(Ca,L)-induced Ca2+ transients, which are built up from the recruitment of individual Ca2+ sparks, the I(Na)-evoked cellular responses were always homogeneous, indicating that their underlying elementary Ca2+ release event is distinct from the Ca2+ spark. Thus, I(Na)-induced Ca2+ transients are composed of smaller Ca2+ signals, most likely Ca2+ quarks.

Termination of cardiac Ca(2+) sparks: an investigative mathematical model of calcium-induced calcium release

A Ca(2+) spark arises when a cluster of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) channels (ryanodine receptors or RyRs) opens to release calcium in a locally regenerative manner. Normally triggered by Ca(2+) influx across the sarcolemmal or transverse tubule membrane neighboring the cluster, the Ca(2+) spark has been shown to be the elementary Ca(2+) signaling event of excitation-contraction coupling in heart muscle. However, the question of how the Ca(2+) spark terminates remains a central, unresolved issue. Here we present a new model, "sticky cluster," of SR Ca(2+) release that simulates Ca(2+) spark behavior and enables robust Ca(2+) spark termination. Two newly documented features of RyR behavior have been incorporated in this otherwise simple model: "coupled gating" and an opening rate that depends on SR lumenal [Ca(2+)]. Using a Monte Carlo method, local Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release from clusters containing between 10 and 100 RyRs is modeled. After release is triggered, Ca(2+) flux from RyRs diffuses into the cytosol and binds to intracellular buffers and the fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator fluo-3 to produce the model Ca(2+) spark. Ca(2+) sparks generated by the sticky cluster model resemble those observed experimentally, and Ca(2+) spark duration and amplitude are largely insensitive to the number of RyRs in a cluster. As expected from heart cell investigation, the spontaneous Ca(2+) spark rate in the model increases with elevated cytosolic or SR lumenal [Ca(2+)]. Furthermore, reduction of RyR coupling leads to prolonged model Ca(2+) sparks just as treatment with FK506 lengthens Ca(2+) sparks in heart cells. This new model of Ca(2+) spark behavior provides a "proof of principle" test of a new hypothesis for Ca(2+) spark termination and reproduces critical features of Ca(2+) sparks observed experimentally.

Clues to calcineurin function in mammalian fast-twitch muscle

It is believed that brief, high amplitude Ca2+ transients, as found in fast-twitch muscles, are not sufficient to activate the calcineurin (Cn)-dependent signaling pathway involved in regulation of slow myosin and slow sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase genes (Olson and Williams, Cell 101: 689-692, 2000). The results reported here try to fill the gap between this molecular knowledge, and the still fragmentary pieces of information on a possible different role of calcineurin in the same type of muscles. In the present work calcineurin was determined immunocytochemically by labeling fast- and slow-twitch fibers of representative rabbit muscles with anti-CnB antibodies, and was assessed by western blotting of isolated subcellular fractions. Calcineurin was found to be largely soluble and to be constitutively overexpressed in fast muscle as CnAalpha and CnAbeta isoforms, the latter appearing to be predominant. Particulate calcineurin was not only associated with myofibrils but also with membranes of various origins. Fluorescence microscopy showed that calcineurin was distributed in the same pattern with respect to sarcomeres in both types of fibers, and formed punctate dots spanning the I-Z-I region, rather than being exclusively located at the Z-line, a disposition described for cardiomyocytes (Frey et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 97: 14,632-14,637, 2000). From knowledge that, in mammalian skeletal muscle fibers, junctional triads are located at the A-I band boundary, we explored the distribution of calcineurin between triadic components, after having verified that it was present in very low amounts in dystrophin-enriched sarcolemmal membranes. Our results demonstrate that a small but significant proportion of calcineurin coenriched with transverse tubules (TT), and copurified with the DHPR and with DHPR-associated PKA-AKAP15/18, thus suggesting that it is assembled as a multiprotein complex in the junctional membrane domain of TT. The membrane specificity of this association is further corroborated by the negative evidence for the presence of calcineurin in SR terminal cisternae. Calcineurin was separated from the DHPR and isolated as a AKAP15/18 subcomplex, including beta2 adrenergic receptor, in addition to PKA and calcineurin, following equilibrium centrifugation of detergent extracts on a linear sucrose gradient. We show that the alpha1 subunit skeletal isoform of the DHPR, is a substrate for calcineurin dephosphorylation, after previous phosphorylation by endogenous PKA.

Agonist-induced phasic and tonic responses in smooth muscle are mediated by InsP3

Many cellular functions are regulated by agonist-induced InsP3-evoked Ca2+ release from the internal store. In non-excitable cells, predominantly, the initial Ca2+release from the store by InsP3 is followed by a more sustained elevation in [Ca2+]i via store-operated Ca2+ channels as a consequence of depletion of the store. Here, in smooth muscle, we report that the initial transient increase in Ca2+, from the internal store, is followed by a sustained response also as a consequence of depletion of the store (by InsP3), but, influx occurs via voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Contractions were measured in pieces of whole distal colon and membrane currents and [Ca2+]i in single colonic myocytes. Carbachol evoked phasic and tonic contractions; only the latter were abolished in Ca2+-free solution. The tonic component was blocked by the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker nimodipine but not by the store-operated channel blocker SKF 96365. InsP3 receptor inhibition, with 2-APB, attenuated both the phasic and tonic components. InsP3 may regulate tonic contractions via sarcolemma Ca2+ entry. In single cells,depolarisation (to ∼-20 mV) elevated [Ca2+]i and activated spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs). CCh suppressed STOCs, as did caffeine and InsP3. InsP3 receptor blockade by 2-APB or heparin prevented CCh suppression of STOCs; protein kinase inhibition by H-7 or PKC19-36did not. InsP3 suppressed STOCs by depleting a Ca2+ store accessed separately by the ryanodine receptor (RyR). Thus depletion of the store by RyR activators abolished the InsP3-evoked Ca2+ transient. RyR inhibition (by tetracaine) reduced only STOCs but not the InsP3transient. InsP3 contributes to both phasic and tonic contractions. In the former, muscarinic receptor-evoked InsP3 releases Ca2+ from an internal store accessed by both InsP3 and RyR. Depletion of this store by InsP3 alone suppresses STOCs, depolarises the sarcolemma and permits entry of Ca2+ to generate the tonic component. Therefore, by lowering the internal store Ca2+ content,InsP3 may generate a sustained smooth muscle contraction. These results provide a mechanism to account for phasic and tonic smooth muscle contraction following receptor activation.

IP(3)-induced tension and IP(3)-receptor expression in rat soleus muscle during postnatal development

The present study was designed to examine whether changes in Ca(2+) release by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) in 8-, 15-, and 30-day-old rat skeletal muscles could be associated with the expression of IP(3) receptors. Experiments were conducted in slow-twitch muscle in which both IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release and IP(3)-receptor (IP(3)R) expression have been shown to be larger than in fast-twitch muscle. In saponin-skinned fibers, IP(3) induced transient contractile responses in which the amplitude was dependent on the Ca(2+)-loading period with the maximal IP(3) contracture being at 20 min of loading. The IP(3) tension decreased during postnatal development, was partially inhibited by ryanodine (100 microM), and was blocked by heparin (20-400 microg/ml). Amplification of the DNA sequence encoding for IP(3)R isoforms (using the RT-PCR technique) showed that in slow-twitch muscle, the type 2 isoform is mainly expressed, and its level decreases during postnatal development in parallel with changes in IP(3) responses in immature fibers. IP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release would then have greater participation in excitation-contraction coupling in developing fibers than in mature muscle.

Ca(2+) dynamics in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum in sensory neurons: direct visualization of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release triggered by physiological Ca(2+) entry

In cultured rat dorsal root ganglia neurons, we measured membrane currents, using the patch-clamp whole-cell technique, and the concentrations of free Ca(2+) in the cytosol ([Ca(2+)](i)) and in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) ([Ca(2+)](L)), using high- (Fluo-3) and low- (Mag-Fura-2) affinity Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probes and video imaging. Resting [Ca(2+)](L) concentration varied between 60 and 270 microM. Activation of ryanodine receptors by caffeine triggered a rapid fall in [Ca(2+)](L) levels, which amounted to only 40--50% of the resting [Ca(2+)](L) value. Using electrophysiological depolarization, we directly demonstrate the process of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release triggered by Ca(2+) entry through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels. The amplitude of Ca(2+) release from the ER lumen was linearly dependent on I(Ca).

Intracellular stores maintain stable cytosolic Ca(2+) gradients in epithelial cells by active Ca(2+) redistribution

A stable localized region of high calcium concentration near the plasma membrane has been postulated to exist as an outcome of prolonged calcium influx and to play a crucial role in regulation of cellular life. However, the mechanism supporting this phenomenon is a perplexing problem. We show here that a sustained localized region of high cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration is formed near the plasma membrane. Calcium influx, calcium uptake by intracellular stores and calcium release from the stores are essential for this phenomenon. Our results strongly suggest that the mechanism of formation of stable calcium gradient near the plasma membrane involves a process of active redistribution-uptake of entering calcium into intracellular stores and its release from the stores toward the plasma membrane.

Activation and propagation of Ca(2+) release during excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes

Fast two-dimensional confocal microscopy and the Ca(2+) indicator fluo-4 were used to study excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in cat atrial myocytes which lack transverse tubules and contain both subsarcolemmal junctional (j-SR) and central nonjunctional (nj-SR) sarcoplasmic reticulum. Action potentials elicited by field stimulation induced transient increases of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) that were highly inhomogeneous. Increases started at distinct subsarcolemmal release sites spaced approximately 2 microm apart. The amplitude and the latency of Ca(2+) release from these sites varied from beat to beat. Subsarcolemmal release fused to build a peripheral ring of elevated [Ca(2+)](i), which actively propagated to the center of the cells via Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release. Resting myocytes exhibited spontaneous Ca(2+) release events, including Ca(2+) sparks and local (microscopic) or global (macroscopic) [Ca(2+)](i) waves. The microscopic [Ca(2+)](i) waves propagated in a saltatory fashion along the sarcolemma ("coupled" Ca(2+) sparks) revealing the sequential activation of Ca(2+) release sites of the j-SR. Moreover, during global [Ca(2+)](i) waves, Ca(2+) release was evident from individual nj-SR sites. Ca(2+) release sites were arranged in a regular three-dimensional grid as deduced from the functional data and shown by immunostaining of ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release channels. The longitudinal and transverse distances between individual Ca(2+) release sites were both approximately 2 microm. Furthermore, electron microscopy revealed a continuous sarcotubular network and one peripheral coupling of j-SR with the sarcolemma per sarcomere. The results demonstrate directly that, in cat atrial myocytes, the action potential-induced whole-cell [Ca(2+)](i) transient is the spatio-temporal summation of Ca(2+) release from subsarcolemmal and central sites. First, j-SR sites are activated in a stochastic fashion by the opening of voltage-dependent sarcolemmal Ca(2+) channels. Subsequently, nj-SR sites are activated by Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release propagating from the periphery.

Endoplasmic reticulum of animal cells and its organization into structural and functional domains

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in animal cells is an extensive, morphologically continuous network of membrane tubules and flattened cisternae. The ER is a multifunctional organelle; the synthesis of membrane lipids, membrane and secretory proteins, and the regulation of intracellular calcium are prominent among its array of functions. Many of these functions are not homogeneously distributed throughout the ER but rather are confined to distinct ER subregions or domains. This review describes the structural and functional organization of the ER and highlights the dynamic properties of the ER network and the mechanisms that support the positioning of ER membranes within the cell. Furthermore, we outline processes involved in the establishment and maintenance of an anisotropic distribution of ER-resident proteins and, thus, in the organization of the ER into functionally and morphologically different subregions.

Calcium signalling through nucleotide receptor P2X1 in rat portal vein myocytes

1. ATP-mediated Ca2+ signalling was studied in freshly isolated rat portal vein myocytes by means of a laser confocal microscope and the patch-clamp technique. 2. In vascular myocytes held at -60 mV, ATP induced a large inward current that was supported mainly by activation of P2X1 receptors, although other P2X receptor subtypes (P2X3, P2X4 and P2X5) were revealed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. 3. Confocal Ca2+ measurements revealed that ATP-mediated Ca2+ responses started at initiation sites where spontaneous or triggered Ca2+ sparks were not detected, whereas membrane depolarizations triggered Ca2+ waves by repetitive activation of Ca2+ sparks from a single initiation site. 4. ATP-mediated Ca2+ responses depended on Ca2+ influx through non-selective cation channels that activated, in turn, Ca2+ release from the intracellular store via ryanodine receptors (RYRs). Using specific antibodies directed against the RYR subtypes, we show that ATP-mediated Ca2+ release requires, at least, RYR2, but not RYR3. 5. Our results suggest that, in vascular myocytes, Ca2+ influx through P2X1 receptors may trigger Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release at intracellular sites where RYRs are not clustered.

cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor II (Epac2) mediates Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in INS-1 pancreatic beta-cells

1. The signal transduction pathway responsible for cAMP-dependent Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores was assessed in the insulin-secreting cell line INS-1. 2. CICR was triggered by the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4, an effect mimicked by caffeine, Sp-cAMPS or forskolin. CICR required influx of Ca2+ through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and was blocked by treatment with nimodipine, thapsigargin, or ryanodine, but not by the IP3 receptor antagonist xestospongin C. 3. Treatment with the cAMP antagonist 8-Br-Rp-cAMPS blocked CICR in response to exendin-4, whereas the PKA inhibitor H-89 was ineffective when tested at a concentration demonstrated to inhibit PKA-dependent gene expression. 4. RT-PCR of INS-1 cells demonstrated expression of mRNA coding for the type-II isoform of cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (cAMP-GEF-II, Epac2). 5. CICR in response to forskolin was blocked by transient transfection and expression of a dominant negative mutant isoform of cAMP-GEF-II in which inactivating mutations were introduced into the exchange factor's two cAMP-binding domains. 6. It is concluded that CICR in INS-1 cells results from GLP-1 receptor-mediated sensitization of the intracellular Ca2+ release mechanism, a signal transduction pathway independent of PKA, but which requires cAMP-GEF-II.

Model study of ATP and ADP buffering, transport of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+), and regulation of ion pumps in ventricular myocyte

We extended the model of the ventricular myocyte by Winslow et al. (Circ. Res 1999, 84:571-586) by incorporating equations for Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) buffering and transport by ATP and ADP and equations for MgATP regulation of ion transporters (Na(+)-K(+) pump, sarcolemmal and sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) pumps). The results indicate that, under normal conditions, Ca(2+) binding by low-affinity ATP and diffusion of CaATP may affect the amplitude and time course of intracellular Ca(2+) signals. The model also suggests that a fall in ATP/ADP ratio significantly reduces sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) content, increases diastolic Ca(2+), lowers systolic Ca(2+), increases Ca(2+) influx through L-type channels, and decreases the efficiency of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in extruding Ca(2+) during periodic voltage-clamp stimulation. The analysis suggests that the most important reason for these changes during metabolic inhibition is the down-regulation of the sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase pump by reduced diastolic MgATP levels. High Ca(2+) concentrations developed near the membrane might have a greater influence on Mg(2+), ATP, and ADP concentrations than that of the lower Ca(2+) concentrations in the bulk myoplasm. The model predictions are in general agreement with experimental observations measured under normal and pathological conditions.

The organisation and functions of local Ca2+ signals

Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous intracellular messenger, controlling a diverse range of cellular processes, such as gene transcription, muscle contraction and cell proliferation. The ability of a simple ion such as Ca2+ to play a pivotal role in cell biology results from the facility that cells have to shape Ca2+ signals in space, time and amplitude. To generate and interpret the variety of observed Ca2+ signals, different cell types employ components selected from a Ca2+ signalling ‘toolkit’, which comprises an array of homeostatic and sensory mechanisms. By mixing and matching components from the toolkit, cells can obtain Ca2+ signals that suit their physiology. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of local Ca2+ signals in defining the specificity of the interaction of Ca2+ with its targets. Furthermore, local Ca2+ signals are the triggers and building blocks for larger global signals that propagate throughout cells.

Modulation of the Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release cascade by beta-adrenergic stimulation in rat ventricular myocytes

1. To define the sub-cellular mechanisms of modulation of cardiac excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling by the beta-adrenergic pathway, we carried out confocal Ca(2+) imaging in conjunction with recordings of inward Ca(2+) current in fluo-3-loaded patch-clamped rat ventricular myocytes. 2. Isoproterenol (isoprenaline; ISO) increased the amplitude of the inward Ca(2+) current and the globally measured intracellular Ca(2+) transients. The gain of calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) was increased at all membrane potentials but especially at positive membrane potentials (> +30 mV). ISO dramatically broadened the bell-shaped voltage dependence of intracellular Ca(2+) transients by shifting the descending portion of the curve to very high membrane potentials. 3. The number of local release events (solitary sparks and conglomerates of overlapping sparks) induced by depolarizing steps to +30 mV was increased significantly by ISO. This potentiation of events was due to increased trigger calcium current (I(Ca)) as well the enhanced ability of I(Ca) to induce release. The amplitude and duration of solitary sparks were increased in the presence of ISO. In addition, ISO dramatically increased the proportion and the size ('mass') of clustered events. 4. Exclusion of Na(+) from the intra- and extracellular solutions prevented ISO from enhancing the ability of I(Ca) to trigger sparks. 5. We conclude that beta-adrenergic stimulation enhances the gain of the CICR cascade by increasing the fidelity of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR)--ryanodine receptor (RyR) coupling and by promoting cross-activation of RyRs in neighbouring release sites. Reverse Na(+)--Ca(2+) exchange (NCX) appears to play a role in the beta-adrenergic enhancement of CICR by effectively contributing to the Ca(2+) trigger.

Contribution of ryanodine receptor subtype 3 to ca2+ responses in Ca2+-overloaded cultured rat portal vein myocytes

Using an antisense strategy, we have previously shown that in vascular myocytes, subtypes 1 and 2 of ryanodine receptors (RYRs) are required for Ca(2+) release during Ca(2+) sparks and global Ca(2+) responses, evoked by activation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, whereas RYR subtype 3 (RYR3) has no contribution. Here, we investigated the effects of increased Ca(2+) loading of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) on the RYR-mediated Ca(2+) responses and the role of the RYR3 by injecting antisense oligonucleotides targeting the RYR subtypes. RYR3 expression was demonstrated by immunodetection in both freshly dissociated and cultured rat portal vein myocytes. Confocal Ca(2+) measurements revealed that the number of cells showing spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks was strongly increased by superfusing the vascular myocytes in 10 mm Ca(2+)-containing solution. These Ca(2+) sparks were blocked after inhibition of RYR1 or RYR2 by treatment with antisense oligolucleotides but not after inhibition of RYR3. In contrast, inhibition of RYR3 reduced the global Ca(2+) responses induced by caffeine and phenylephrine, indicating that RYR3 participated together with RYR1 and RYR2 to these Ca(2+) responses in Ca(2+)-overloaded myocytes. Ca(2+) transients evoked by photolysis of caged Ca(2+) with increasing flash intensities were also reduced after inhibition of RYR3 and revealed that the [Ca(2+)](i) sensitivity of RYR3 would be similar to that of RYR1 and RYR2. Our results show that, under conditions of increased SR Ca(2+) loading, the RYR3 becomes activable by caffeine and local increases in [Ca(2+)](i).

ATP-dependent adenophostin activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor channel gating: kinetic implications for the durations of calcium puffs in cells

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP(3)) receptor (InsP(3)R) is a ligand-gated intracellular Ca(2+) release channel that plays a central role in modulating cytoplasmic free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). The fungal metabolite adenophostin A (AdA) is a potent agonist of the InsP(3)R that is structurally different from InsP(3) and elicits distinct calcium signals in cells. We have investigated the effects of AdA and its analogues on single-channel activities of the InsP(3)R in the outer membrane of isolated Xenopus laevis oocyte nuclei. InsP(3)R activated by either AdA or InsP(3) have identical channel conductance properties. Furthermore, AdA, like InsP(3), activates the channel by tuning Ca(2+) inhibition of gating. However, gating of the AdA-liganded InsP(3)R has a critical dependence on cytoplasmic ATP free acid concentration not observed for InsP(3)-liganded channels. Channel gating activated by AdA is indistinguishable from that elicited by InsP(3) in the presence of 0.5 mM ATP, although the functional affinity of the channel is 60-fold higher for AdA. However, in the absence of ATP, gating kinetics of AdA-liganded InsP(3)R were very different. Channel open time was reduced by 50%, resulting in substantially lower maximum open probability than channels activated by AdA in the presence of ATP, or by InsP(3) in the presence or absence of ATP. Also, the higher functional affinity of InsP(3)R for AdA than for InsP(3) is nearly abolished in the absence of ATP. Low affinity AdA analogues furanophostin and ribophostin activated InsP(3)R channels with gating properties similar to those of AdA. These results provide novel insights for interpretations of observed effects of AdA on calcium signaling, including the mechanisms that determine the durations of elementary Ca(2+) release events in cells. Comparisons of single-channel gating kinetics of the InsP(3)R activated by InsP(3), AdA, and its analogues also identify molecular elements in InsP(3)R ligands that contribute to binding and activation of channel gating.

L-type calcium channel blockers and EGTA enhance superoxide production in cardiac fibroblasts

Since the recognition of the importance of calcium ions to cardiac contractility, the effects of alterations in calcium homeostasis on cardiac myocyte function have attracted immense attention. However, the possibility that changes in extracellular calcium concentration or the administration of calcium channel blockers may exert significant effects on cardiac fibroblasts has not hitherto been explored. This communication presents evidence, for the first time, that EGTA, calcium-free incubation and L-type calcium channel blockers increase endogenous superoxide production in adult rat cardiac fibroblasts. A combination of ryanodine and EGTA was found to have an even greater effect. The observations indicate that extracellular calcium levels influence endogenous superoxide production in cardiac fibroblasts and support the postulation that myocardial fibroblasts may contribute to the cardiac effects of calcium channel blockers and alterations in extracellular calcium concentration.

Plant calcium signaling and monitoring: pros and cons and recent experimental approaches

This review focusses on Ca(2+)-mediated plant cell signaling and optical methods for in vivo [Ca2+] monitoring and imaging in plants. The cytosolic free calcium concentration has long been considered the central cellular key in plants. However, more and more data are turning up that critically question this view. Conflicting arguments show that there are still many open questions. One conclusion is that the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration is just one of many cellular network parameters orchestrating complex cellular signaling. Novel experimental strategies which unveil interference of cellular parameters and communication of transduction pathways are required to understand this network. To date only optical methods are able to provide both kinetic and spatial information about cellular key parameters simultaneously. Focussing on calcium there are currently three classes of calcium indicators employed (i.e., chemical fluorescent dyes, luminescent indicators, and green-fluorescent-protein-based indicators). Properties and capabilities as well as advantages and disadvantages of these indicators when used in plant systems are discussed. Finally, general experimental strategies are mentioned which are able to answer open questions raised here.

Transcriptional regulation of S100A1 and expression during mouse heart development

S100A1, a member of the large EF-hand family of Ca(2+)-binding proteins, is mainly expressed in the mammalian heart. To assess the underlying mechanisms for cell- and tissue-specific expression we isolated and characterized the mouse S100A1 gene. The gene displays a high degree of homology to the human and rat genes, especially in the exonic sequences. In its promoter region and the first intron, we identified regulatory elements characteristic for cardiac and slow skeletal muscle restricted genes. Transfection assays with luciferase constructs containing different parts of the S100A1 gene demonstrated the active expression in primary mouse cardiomyocytes and that its 5'-upstream region containing a putative cardiac enhancer showed a greatly increased activity. Furthermore, we investigated the expression of the S100A1 mRNA during embryonic mouse development, using in situ hybridization. S100A1 transcripts were first detected in the primitive heart at embryonic day (E) 8, with equal levels in the atrium and ventricle. During development up to E17.5 we detected a shift in the S100A1 expression pattern with lower levels in atrial and high levels in ventricular myocardium. The regulatory elements identified in the mouse S100A1 promoter correspond well with the observed expression pattern and suggest that S100A1 has an important function during heart muscle development.

Presynaptic calcium stores underlie large-amplitude miniature IPSCs and spontaneous calcium transients

The cellular mechanisms responsible for large miniature currents in some brain synapses remain undefined. In Purkinje cells, we found that large-amplitude miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) were inhibited by ryanodine or by long-term removal of extracellular Ca2+. Two-photon Ca2+ imaging revealed random, ryanodine-sensitive intracellular Ca2+ transients, spatially constrained at putative presynaptic terminals. At high concentration, ryanodine decreased action-potential-evoked rises in intracellular Ca2+. Immuno-localization showed ryanodine receptors in these terminals. Our data suggest that large mIPSCs are multivesicular events regulated by Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive presynaptic Ca2+ stores.

Simultaneous maps of optical action potentials and calcium transients in guinea-pig hearts: mechanisms underlying concordant alternans

1. The mechanisms underlying electro-mechanical alternans caused by faster heart rates were investigated in perfused guinea-pig hearts stained with RH237 and Rhod-2 AM to simultaneously map optical action potentials (APs) and intracellular free Ca2+ (Ca2+i). 2. Fluorescence images of the heart were focused on two 16 x 16 photodiode arrays to map Ca2+i (emission wavelength (lamdda;em) = 585 +/- 20 nm) and APs (lamdda;em > 715 nm) from 252 sites. Spatial resolution was 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm per diode and temporal resolution 4000 frames s-1. 3. The mean time-to-peak for APs and [Ca2+]i was spatially homogeneous (8.8 +/- 0.5 and 25.6 +/- 5.0 ms, respectively; n = 6). The durations of APs (APDs) and Ca2+i transients were shorter at the apex and progressively longer towards the base, indicating a gradient of ventricular relaxation. 4. Restitution kinetics revealed increasingly longer delays between AP and Ca2+i upstrokes (9.5 +/- 0.4 to 11.3 +/- 0.4 ms) with increasingly shorter S1-S2 intervals, particularly at the base, despite nearly normal peak [Ca2+]i. 5. Alternans of APs and Ca2+i transients were induced by a decrease++ in cycle length (CL), if the shorter CL captured at the pacing site and was shorter than refractory periods (RPs) near the base, creating heterogeneities of conduction velocity. 6. Rate-induced alternans in normoxic hearts were concordant (long APD with large [Ca2+]i) across the epicardium, with a magnitude (difference between odd-even signals) that varied with the local RP. Alternans were initiated by gradients of RP, producing alternans of conduction that terminated spontaneously without progressing to fibrillation.

Fast imaging in two dimensions resolves extensive sources of Ca2+ sparks in frog skeletal muscle

Ca2+ sparks were monitored by confocal laser-scanning microscopy of fluo-3 at video rates, in fast twitch muscle fibres, stimulated by exposure to caffeine and/or low [Mg2+]. Scanning was in two spatial dimensions ('2D') or 2D plus time, at 4 ms per image frame. Sparks were identified in 2D images of normalized fluorescence by an automatic procedure, which also evaluated the event's location and morphometric parameters. Most sparks were circular, but some were elongated, especially in caffeine. Separation of the spark from circular symmetry was quantified by its eccentricity (length/width - 1). In an internal solution with 0.4 mM [Mg2+], sparks (989 events in 4 cells) had amplitude 0.73, width 1.94 microm, length 2.12 microm and eccentricity not significantly different from 0. Upon application of 1 mM caffeine, length (of 2578 events in the same cells) increased significantly (by 0.41 microm, or 19 %), width increased by 0.18 microm (9 %) and amplitude decreased slightly. The eccentricity became significantly different from 0, and the sparks' long axis predominantly oriented parallel to the plane of the Z disks. More than 10 % of the events in caffeine had length greater than 4 microm, a relatively flat top, and a sharp termination at both ends of the major axis. Additionally, there was only a weak correlation between eccentricity and amplitude. These properties suggest that the elongated events are produced by simultaneous opening of multiple channels within a junction, rather than anisotropic diffusion of Ca2+ or random overlap of round sparks. Elongated events often increased in eccentricity early in their evolution. Then, most remained elongated during their rise and decay, while others spread spatially in the plane of the Z disks. In 1-2 % of the events, the centre of mass migrated in space, over time, at approximately 0.1 microm x ms(-1). These spatio-temporal features require the involvement of multiple release channels, at spatially resolvable locations. Because sources often spread over distances greater than 1 or 2 microm, and arrays of junctional elements (couplons) are at most 1.2 microm long, it must be possible for activation of release to propagate between neighbouring couplons, especially under the influence of caffeine and/or low [Mg2+].

Ca2+ channels, 'quantized' Ca2+ release, and differentiation of myocytes in the cardiovascular system

The application of confocal microscopy to cardiac and skeletal muscle has resulted in the observation of transient, spatially localized elevations in [Ca2+]i, termed 'Ca2+ sparks'. Ca2+ sparks are thought to represent 'elementary' Ca2+ release events, which arise from one or more ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In cardiac muscle, Ca2+ sparks appear to be key elements of excitation-contraction coupling, in which the global [Ca2+]i transient is thought to involve the recruitment of Ca2+ sparks, each of which is controlled locally by single coassociated L-type Ca2+ channels. Recently, Ca2+ sparks have been detected in smooth muscle cells of arteries. In this review, we analyse the complex relationship of Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release with local, subcellular Ca2+ microdomains in light of recent studies on Ca2+ sparks in cardiovascular cells. We performed a comparative analysis of 'elementary' Ca2+ release units in mouse, rat and human arterial smooth muscle cells, using measurements of Ca2+ sparks and plasmalemmal K(Ca) currents activated by Ca2+ sparks (STOCs). Furthermore, the appearance of Ca2+ sparks during ontogeny of arterial smooth muscle is explored. Using intact pressurized arteries, we have investigated whether RyRs causing Ca2+ sparks (but not smaller 'quantized' Ca2+ release events, e.g. hypothetical 'Ca2+ quarks') function as key signals that, through membrane potential and global cytoplasmic [Ca2+], oppose arterial myogenic tone and influence vasorelaxation. We believe that voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and local RyR-related Ca2+ signals are important in differentiation, proliferation, and gene expression. Our findings suggest that 'elementary' Ca2+ release units may represent novel potent therapeutic targets for regulating function of intact arterial smooth muscle tissue.

Transmission of information from cardiac dihydropyridine receptor to ryanodine receptor: evidence from BayK 8644 effects on resting Ca(2+) sparks

Coupling between L-type Ca(2+) channels (dihydropyridine receptors, DHPRs) and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) plays a pivotal role in excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in cardiac myocytes, and Ca(2+) influx is generally accepted as the trigger of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) release. The L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist BayK 8644 (BayK) has also been reported to alter RyR gating via a functional linkage between DHPR and RyR, independent of Ca(2+) influx. Here, the effect of rapid BayK application on resting RyR gating in intact ferret ventricular myocytes was measured as Ca(2+) spark frequency (CaSpF) by confocal microscopy and fluo 3. BayK increased resting CaSpF by 401+/-15% within 10 seconds in Ca(2+)-free solution, and depolarization had no additional effect. The effect of BayK on CaSpF was dose-dependent, but even 50 nmol/L BayK induced a rapid 245+/-12% increase in CaSpF. Nifedipine (5 micromol/L) had no effect by itself on CaSpF, but it abolished the BayK effect (presumably by competitive inhibition at the DHPR). The nondihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel agonist FPL-64176 (1 micromol/L) did not alter CaSpF (despite rapid and potent enhancement of Ca(2+) current, I(Ca)). In striking contrast to the very rapid and depolarization-independent effect of BayK on CaSpF, BayK increased I(Ca) only slowly (tau=18 seconds), and the effect was greatly accelerated by depolarization. We conclude that in ferret ventricular myocytes, BayK effects on I(Ca) and CaSpF both require drug binding to the DHPR, but postreceptor pathways may diverge in transmission to the gating of the L-type Ca(2+) channel and RyR.

Calcium ion in skeletal muscle: its crucial role for muscle function, plasticity, and disease

Mammalian skeletal muscle shows an enormous variability in its functional features such as rate of force production, resistance to fatigue, and energy metabolism, with a wide spectrum from slow aerobic to fast anaerobic physiology. In addition, skeletal muscle exhibits high plasticity that is based on the potential of the muscle fibers to undergo changes of their cytoarchitecture and composition of specific muscle protein isoforms. Adaptive changes of the muscle fibers occur in response to a variety of stimuli such as, e.g., growth and differentition factors, hormones, nerve signals, or exercise. Additionally, the muscle fibers are arranged in compartments that often function as largely independent muscular subunits. All muscle fibers use Ca(2+) as their main regulatory and signaling molecule. Therefore, contractile properties of muscle fibers are dependent on the variable expression of proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling and handling. Molecular diversity of the main proteins in the Ca(2+) signaling apparatus (the calcium cycle) largely determines the contraction and relaxation properties of a muscle fiber. The Ca(2+) signaling apparatus includes 1) the ryanodine receptor that is the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release channel, 2) the troponin protein complex that mediates the Ca(2+) effect to the myofibrillar structures leading to contraction, 3) the Ca(2+) pump responsible for Ca(2+) reuptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and 4) calsequestrin, the Ca(2+) storage protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, a multitude of Ca(2+)-binding proteins is present in muscle tissue including parvalbumin, calmodulin, S100 proteins, annexins, sorcin, myosin light chains, beta-actinin, calcineurin, and calpain. These Ca(2+)-binding proteins may either exert an important role in Ca(2+)-triggered muscle contraction under certain conditions or modulate other muscle activities such as protein metabolism, differentiation, and growth. Recently, several Ca(2+) signaling and handling molecules have been shown to be altered in muscle diseases. Functional alterations of Ca(2+) handling seem to be responsible for the pathophysiological conditions seen in dystrophinopathies, Brody's disease, and malignant hyperthermia. These also underline the importance of the affected molecules for correct muscle performance.

L-Type Ca(2+) channel charge movement and intracellular Ca(2+) in skeletal muscle fibers from aging mice

In this work we tested the hypothesis that skeletal muscle fibers from aging mice exhibit a significant decline in myoplasmic Ca(2+) concentration resulting from a reduction in L-type Ca(2+) channel (dihydropyridine receptor, DHPR) charge movement. Skeletal muscle fibers from the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle were obtained from 5-7-, 14-18-, or 21-24-month-old FVB mice and voltage-clamped in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique according to described procedures (Wang, Z.-M., M. L. Messi, and O. Delbono. 1999. Biophys. J. 77:2709-2716). Total charge movement or the DHPR charge movement was measured simultaneously with intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. The maximum charge movement (Q(max)) recorded (mean +/- SEM, in nC microF(-1)) was 53 +/- 3.2 (n = 47), 51 +/- 3.2 (n = 35) (non-significant, ns), and 33 +/- 1.9 (n = 32) (p < 0.01), for the three age groups, respectively. Q(max) corresponding to the DHPR was 43 +/- 3.3, 38 +/- 4.1 (ns), and 25 +/- 3.4 (p < 0.01) for the three age groups, respectively. The peak intracellular [Ca(2+)] recorded at 40 mV (in microM) was 15.7 +/- 0. 12, 16.7 +/- 0.18 (ns), and 8.2 +/- 0.07 (p < 0.01) for the three age groups, respectively. No significant changes in the voltage distribution or steepness of the Q-V or [Ca(2+)]-V relationship were found. These data support the concept that the reduction in the peak intracellular [Ca(2+)] results from a larger number of ryanodine receptors uncoupled to DHPRs in skeletal muscle fibers from aging mammals.

Elemental propagation of calcium signals in response-specific patterns determined by environmental stimulus strength

Plant cells can respond qualitatively and quantitatively to a wide range of environmental signals. Ca(2+) is used as an intracellular signal for volume regulation in response to external osmotic changes. We show here that the spatiotemporal patterns of hypo-osmotically induced Ca(2+) signals vary dramatically with stimulus strength in embryonic cells of the marine alga Fucus. Biphasic or multiphasic Ca(2+) signals reflect Ca(2+) elevations in distinct cellular domains. These propagate via elemental Ca(2+) release in nuclear or peripheral regions that are rich in endoplasmic reticulum. Cell volume regulation specifically requires Ca(2+) elevation in apical peripheral regions, whereas an altered cell division rate occurs only in response to stimuli that cause Ca(2+) elevation in nuclear regions.

Effects of cytosolic ATP on spontaneous and triggered Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release in permeabilised rat ventricular myocytes

1. The effects of cytosolic ATP on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ regulation were investigated in saponin-permeabilised rat ventricular myocytes. [Ca2+] within the cells was monitored using Fura-2 or Fluo-3 fluorescence. Spontaneous cyclic Ca2+ release from the SR was induced by increasing the bathing [Ca2+] to 200-300 nM, in solutions weakly Ca2+ buffered with 0.05 mM EGTA. Alternatively, Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) was triggered by a rapid increase in [Ca2+] induced by flash photolysis of Nitr-5 (0.08 mM), replacing EGTA in the solution. 2. Stepwise reductions in [ATP] were associated with corresponding decreases in the frequency and increases in the amplitude of spontaneous Ca2+ transients. A decrease from 5 mM to 0. 1 mM ATP, reduced the release frequency by 48.6 +/- 7 % (n = 7) and almost doubled the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient. Marked prolongation of the spontaneous Ca2+ transient occurred when [ATP] was further reduced to 10 microM, consistent with inhibition of the SR Ca2+ pump. 3. These effects of ATP were compared with other interventions that inhibit Ca2+ uptake or reduce the sensitivity of the SR Ca2+ release mechanism. Inhibition of the SR Ca2+ pump with cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) markedly reduced the spontaneous Ca2+ release frequency, without changing the amplitude. The descending phase of the Ca2+ transient was prolonged in the presence of CPA, while the rising phase was unaffected. In contrast, desensitisation of the SR Ca2+ release mechanism with tetracaine decreased the frequency of spontaneous release, but markedly increased the amplitude. 4. CICR triggered by flash photolysis of Nitr-5 appeared to be more sensitive to cytosolic [ATP] than spontaneous release and was generally delayed by a decrease to 2.5 mM ATP. In the presence of 0.1-0.2 mM ATP, release often failed completely or was not consistently triggered. Some preparations exhibited Ca2+ release 'alternans', whereby every alternate trigger induced a response. 5. These results suggest that the increase in spontaneous Ca2+ release amplitude and the decrease in frequency that occurs as [ATP] is reduced from 1 mM to 100 microM, is mainly due to desensitisation of the SR Ca2+ release mechanism, which allows the SR Ca2+ content to reach a higher level before release occurs. At very low [ATP], a reduction in the SR Ca2+ uptake rate may also contribute to the decrease in release frequency. CICR triggered by photolysis of Nitr-5 appeared to be more sensitive to cytosolic [ATP]. The possible underlying mechanisms and the relevance of these results to myocardial ischaemia or hypoxia is considered.