The control of tonic tension by membrane potential and intracellular sodium activity in the sheep cardiac Purkinje fibre

Ups and downs of calcium in the heart

Contraction and relaxation of the heart result from cyclical changes of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺ ]_i ). The entry of Ca²⁺ into the cell via the L-type Ca²⁺ current leads to the release of more from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Compared to other regulatory mechanisms such as phosphorylation, Ca²⁺ signalling is very rapid. However, since Ca²⁺ cannot be destroyed, Ca²⁺ signalling can only be controlled by pumping across membranes. In the steady state, on each beat, the amount of Ca²⁺ released from the SR must equal that taken back and influx and efflux across the sarcolemma must be equal. Any imbalance in these fluxes will result in a change of SR Ca²⁺ content and this provides a mechanism for regulation of SR Ca²⁺ content. These flux balance considerations also explain why simply potentiating Ca²⁺ release from the SR has no maintained effect on the amplitude of the Ca²⁺ transient. A low diastolic [Ca²⁺ ]_i is essential for cardiac relaxation, but the factors that control diastolic [Ca²⁺ ]_i are poorly understood. Recent work suggests that flux balance is also important here. In particular, decreasing SR function decreases the amplitude of the systolic Ca²⁺ transient and the resulting decrease of Ca²⁺ efflux results in an increase of diastolic [Ca²⁺ ]_i to maintain total efflux.

Calcium and Excitation-Contraction Coupling in the Heart

Cardiac contractility is regulated by changes in intracellular Ca concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i). Normal function requires that [Ca²⁺]_i be sufficiently high in systole and low in diastole. Much of the Ca needed for contraction comes from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and is released by the process of calcium-induced calcium release. The factors that regulate and fine-tune the initiation and termination of release are reviewed. The precise control of intracellular Ca cycling depends on the relationships between the various channels and pumps that are involved. We consider 2 aspects: (1) structural coupling: the transporters are organized within the dyad, linking the transverse tubule and sarcoplasmic reticulum and ensuring close proximity of Ca entry to sites of release. (2) Functional coupling: where the fluxes across all membranes must be balanced such that, in the steady state, Ca influx equals Ca efflux on every beat. The remainder of the review considers specific aspects of Ca signaling, including the role of Ca buffers, mitochondria, Ca leak, and regulation of diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i.

Changes in Intracellular Na+ following Enhancement of Late Na+ Current in Virtual Human Ventricular Myocytes

The slowly inactivating or late Na+ current, INa-L, can contribute to the initiation of both atrial and ventricular rhythm disturbances in the human heart. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie these pro-arrhythmic influences are not fully understood. At present, the major working hypothesis is that the Na+ influx corresponding to INa-L significantly increases intracellular Na+, [Na+]i; and the resulting reduction in the electrochemical driving force for Na+ reduces and (may reverse) Na+/Ca2+ exchange. These changes increase intracellular Ca2+, [Ca2+]i; which may further enhance INa-L due to calmodulin-dependent phosphorylation of the Na+ channels. This paper is based on mathematical simulations using the O'Hara et al (2011) model of baseline or healthy human ventricular action potential waveforms(s) and its [Ca2+]i homeostasis mechanisms. Somewhat surprisingly, our results reveal only very small changes (≤ 1.5 mM) in [Na+]i even when INa-L is increased 5-fold and steady-state stimulation rate is approximately 2 times the normal human heart rate (i.e. 2 Hz). Previous work done using well-established models of the rabbit and human ventricular action potential in heart failure settings also reported little or no change in [Na+]i when INa-L was increased. Based on our simulations, the major short-term effect of markedly augmenting INa-L is a significant prolongation of the action potential and an associated increase in the likelihood of reactivation of the L-type Ca2+ current, ICa-L. Furthermore, this action potential prolongation does not contribute to [Na+]i increase.

An explant muscle model to examine the refinement of the synaptic landscape

Signals from nerve and muscle regulate the formation of synapses. Transgenic mouse models and muscle cell cultures have elucidated the molecular mechanisms required for aggregation and stabilization of synaptic structures. However, far less is known about the molecular pathways involved in redistribution of muscle synaptic components. Here we established a physiologically viable whole-muscle embryonic explant system, in the presence or absence of the nerve, which demonstrates the synaptic landscape is dynamic and malleable. Manipulations of factors intrinsic to the muscle or extrinsically provided by the nerve illustrate vital functions during formation, redistribution and elimination of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clusters. In particular, RyR1 activity is an important mediator of these functions. This physiologically relevant and readily accessible explant system provides a new approach to genetically uncouple nerve-derived signals and for manipulation via signaling molecules, drugs, and electrical stimulation to examine early formation of the neuromuscular circuit.

In silico investigation of the short QT syndrome, using human ventricle models incorporating electromechanical coupling

INTRODUCTION

Genetic forms of the Short QT Syndrome (SQTS) arise due to cardiac ion channel mutations leading to accelerated ventricular repolarization, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Results from experimental and simulation studies suggest that changes to refractoriness and tissue vulnerability produce a substrate favorable to re-entry. Potential electromechanical consequences of the SQTS are less well-understood. The aim of this study was to utilize electromechanically coupled human ventricle models to explore electromechanical consequences of the SQTS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Rice et al. mechanical model was coupled to the ten Tusscher et al. ventricular cell model. Previously validated K(+) channel formulations for SQT variants 1 and 3 were incorporated. Functional effects of the SQTS mutations on [Ca(2+)] i transients, sarcomere length shortening and contractile force at the single cell level were evaluated with and without the consideration of stretch-activated channel current (I sac). Without I sac, at a stimulation frequency of 1Hz, the SQTS mutations produced dramatic reductions in the amplitude of [Ca(2+)] i transients, sarcomere length shortening and contractile force. When I sac was incorporated, there was a considerable attenuation of the effects of SQTS-associated action potential shortening on Ca(2+) transients, sarcomere shortening and contractile force. Single cell models were then incorporated into 3D human ventricular tissue models. The timing of maximum deformation was delayed in the SQTS setting compared to control.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of I sac appears to be an important consideration in modeling functional effects of SQT 1 and 3 mutations on cardiac electro-mechanical coupling. Whilst there is little evidence of profoundly impaired cardiac contractile function in SQTS patients, our 3D simulations correlate qualitatively with reported evidence for dissociation between ventricular repolarization and the end of mechanical systole.

The sodium-calcium exchange system

Sodium-calcium counter-transport represents one of a number of processes for transporting calcium ions across cellular membranes. The physiological importance of the exchanger is outlined and its underlying mechanism discussed in terms of a comparison of the partial reactions of Na+-Ca2+ exchange in intact cells with those of plasma membrane vesicles.

Electrogenic Na+/Ca2+-exchange of nerve and muscle cells

The plasma membrane Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger is a bi-directional electrogenic (3Na(+):1Ca(2+)) and voltage-sensitive ion transport mechanism, which is mainly responsible for Ca(2+)-extrusion. The Na(+)-gradient, required for normal mode operation, is created by the Na(+)-pump, which is also electrogenic (3Na(+):2K(+)) and voltage-sensitive. The Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger operational modes are very similar to those of the Na(+)-pump, except that the uncoupled flux (Na(+)-influx or -efflux?) is missing. The reversal potential of the exchanger is around -40 mV; therefore, during the upstroke of the AP it is probably transiently activated, leading to Ca(2+)-influx. The Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange is regulated by transported and non-transported external and internal cations, and shows ATP(i)-, pH- and temperature-dependence. The main problem in determining the role of Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange in excitation-secretion/contraction coupling is the lack of specific (mode-selective) blockers. During recent years, evidence has been accumulated for co-localisation of the Na(+)-pump, and the Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger and their possible functional interaction in the "restricted" or "fuzzy space." In cardiac failure, the Na(+)-pump is down-regulated, while the exchanger is up-regulated. If the exchanger is working in normal mode (Ca(2+)-extrusion) during most of the cardiac cycle, upregulation of the exchanger may result in SR Ca(2+)-store depletion and further impairment in contractility. If so, a normal mode selective Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange inhibitor would be useful therapy for decompensation, and unlike CGs would not increase internal Na(+). In peripheral sympathetic nerves, pre-synaptic alpha(2)-receptors may regulate not only the VSCCs but possibly the reverse Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchange as well.

[Na(+)] in the subsarcolemmal 'fuzzy' space and modulation of [Ca(2+)](i) and contraction in cardiac myocytes

The strength of the heart beat depends on the amplitude and time course of the transient increase in [Ca(2+)] in the myocytes with each cycle. [Na(+)](i) modulates cardiac contraction through its effect on the Ca(2+) flux through the Na/Ca exchanger. Cardiac excitation-contraction coupling has been postulated to occur in a microdomain or 'fuzzy' space at the junction of the T-tubules and the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This 'fuzzy' space is well described for the Ca(2+) fluxes and the interaction between the L-type Ca(2+) channel, the Ca(2+) release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the Na/Ca exchanger. Co-localization of the Na(+) transporters, in particular the Na/K pump and the Na(+) channel, within this 'fuzzy' space is not as well established. The functional and morphological characteristics of the 'fuzzy' space for Na(+) and its interaction with the Ca(2+) handling suggest that this space is not strictly co-inciding with the Ca(2+) microdomain. In this space [Na(+)] can be several-fold higher or lower than [Na(+)] in the bulk cytosol. This has implications for modulation of [Ca(2+)](i) during a single beat as well as during alterations in Na(+) fluxes seen in pathological conditions.

Tonic component of myocardial contraction

Calcium transients and contractions of cardiac myocytes consist of phasic component, relaxing spontaneously independently of membrane voltage and of the tonic component (TC) relaxing only upon repolarization. Experimental data reviewed in this article suggest that most Ca(2+) activating TC is released from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) via the ryanodine receptors (RyRs). Most likely these RyRs are activated by sustained Ca(2+) influx. However, its route may differ depending on species and state of the cells. It seems that in rat RyRs responsible for TC are activated by the sustained Ca(2+) current. In guinea-pig the blockers of Ca(2+) current or reverse mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange do not inhibit TC, so these routes seem unlikely. In myocytes of the failing human hearts TC is activated mostly via the reverse mode Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange and contribution of SR is negligible. The mechanism of TC in the normal human cardiomyocytes has not been investigated. Thus, despite investigation of TC for half a century many problems concerning the mechanism of its activation and maintenance as well as its physiological meaning remain unsolved.

The voltage-sensitive release mechanism of excitation contraction coupling in rabbit cardiac muscle is explained by calcium-induced calcium release

The putative voltage-sensitive release mechanism (VSRM) was investigated in rabbit cardiac myocytes at 37 degrees C with high resistance microelectrodes to minimize intracellular dialysis. When the holding potential was adjusted from -40 to -60 mV, the putative VSRM was expected to operate alongside CICR. Under these conditions however, we did not observe a plateau at positive potentials of the cell shortening versus voltage relationship. The threshold for cell shortening changed by -10 mV, but this resulted from a similar change of the threshold for activation of inward current. Cell shortening under conditions where the putative VSRM was expected to operate was blocked in a dose dependent way by nifedipine and CdCl2 and blocked completely by NiCl2. "Tail contractions" persisted in the presence of nifedipine and CdCl2 but were blocked completely by NiCl2. Block of early outward current by 4-aminopyridine and 4-acetoamido-4'-isothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS) demonstrated persisting inward current during test depolarizations despite the presence of nifedipine and CdCl2. Inward current did not persist in the presence of NiCl2. A tonic component of cell shortening that was prominent during depolarizations to positive potentials under conditions selective for the putative VSRM was sensitive to rapidly applied changes in superfusate [Na+] and to the outward Na+/Ca2+ exchange current blocking drug KB-R7943. This component of cell shortening was thought to be the result of Na+/Ca2+ exchange-mediated excitation contraction coupling. Cell shortening recorded under conditions selective for the putative VSRM was increased by the enhanced state of phosphorylation induced by isoprenaline (1 microM) and by enhancing sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content by manipulation of the conditioning steps. Under these conditions, cell shortening at positive test depolarizations was converted from tonic to phasic. We conclude that the putative VSRM is explained by CICR with the Ca2+ "trigger" supplied by unblocked L-type Ca2+ channels and Na+/Ca2+ exchange.

Functional changes in isolated guinea-pig papillary muscle induced by monensin and digoxin

The effects of digoxin and monensin on contraction force (CF), initial contraction velocity (ICV), average contraction velocity (ACV), initial relaxation velocity (IRV) and stimulus to response time (ST) in 'fatigued' (tired) and 'non-fatigued' (fresh) guinea-pig papillary muscles were investigated. 'Fatigued' muscles had lost 30% of their original CF with the elapse of time before they were treated. The 5 h of measurement were divided into five periods (T0 was equilibration, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were, respectively, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after drug administration). It was found that both monensin and digoxin increased the CF, ICV and ACV at T1 and increased the IRV at T2. Digoxin lost its effect with the elapse of time while monensin did not. Digoxin also decreased the ST at T2, T3 and T4. However, monensin did not change the ST. It was also found that 'fatigued' and 'non-fatigued' guinea-pig papillary muscles did not respond to the drug treatment differently. It was concluded that the initial effects of these two drugs on guinea-pig papillary muscles are similar regarding contractility but in time digoxin loses its effect while monensin does not.

Cardiovascular actions of berberine

Berberine, is an alkaloid from Hydrastis canadensis L., Chinese herb Huanglian, and many other plants. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as an antimicrobial in the treatment of dysentery and infectious diarrhea. This manuscript describes cardiovascular effects of berberine and its derivatives, tetrahydroberberine and 8-oxoberberine. Berberine has positive inotropic, negative chronotropic, antiarrhythmic, and vasodilator properties. Both derivatives of berberine have antiarrhythmic activity. Some cardiovascular effects of berberine and its derivatives are attributed to the blockade of K+ channels (delayed rectifier and K(ATP)) and stimulation of Na+ -Ca(2+) exchanger. Berberine has been shown to prolong the duration of ventricular action potential. Its vasodilator activity has been attributed to multiple cellular mechanisms. The cardiovascular effects of berberine suggest its possible clinical usefulness in the treatment of arrhythmias and/or heart failure.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships of cardiotonic agents

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSARs) of different cardiotonic agents are presented. A critical analysis of all QSARs provides a very vivid picture of the mechanisms of varying cardiotonic agents. The cardiotonics can be broadly put into 2 categories: cardiac glycosides and nonglycoside cardiotonics, which include phosphodiesterase of type III (PDE III) inhibitors, sympathomimetic (adrenergic) stimulants, A1-selective adenosine antagonists, Ca2+ channel activators and vasopressin antagonists. For cardiac glycosides, QSARs reveal that the position of carbonyl oxygen in their lactone moiety and shifting of the lactone ring from its original position or its replacement by another group would be crucial for their activity. The carbonyl group or its isostere like CN is indicated to be the sole binding entity and the hydrogen bonding through this group is considered to be the most likely binding force. For nonglycoside cardiotonics that include PDE III inhibitors and A1-selective antagonists, a five-point model has been established for their activity, the salient features of which are: (1) the presence of a strong dipole, (2) an adjacent acidic proton, (3) a methyl-sized lipophilic space, (4) a relatively flat overall topography and (5) a basic or hydrogen-bond acceptor site opposite to the dipole. For Ca2+ channel activators, the importance of steric, electrostatic, lipophilic and hydrogen-bonding properties of molecules is indicated, while for vasopressin antagonists the lipophilic and electronic properties are suggested to be the most important.

Dynamics and consequences of potassium shifts in skeletal muscle and heart during exercise

Since it became clear that K(+) shifts with exercise are extensive and can cause more than a doubling of the extracellular [K(+)] ([K(+)](s)) as reviewed here, it has been suggested that these shifts may cause fatigue through the effect on muscle excitability and action potentials (AP). The cause of the K(+) shifts is a transient or long-lasting mismatch between outward repolarizing K(+) currents and K(+) influx carried by the Na(+)-K(+) pump. Several factors modify the effect of raised [K(+)](s) during exercise on membrane potential (E(m)) and force production. 1) Membrane conductance to K(+) is variable and controlled by various K(+) channels. Low relative K(+) conductance will reduce the contribution of [K(+)](s) to the E(m). In addition, high Cl(-) conductance may stabilize the E(m) during brief periods of large K(+) shifts. 2) The Na(+)-K(+) pump contributes with a hyperpolarizing current. 3) Cell swelling accompanies muscle contractions especially in fast-twitch muscle, although little in the heart. This will contribute considerably to the lowering of intracellular [K(+)] ([K(+)](c)) and will attenuate the exercise-induced rise of intracellular [Na(+)] ([Na(+)](c)). 4) The rise of [Na(+)](c) is sufficient to activate the Na(+)-K(+) pump to completely compensate increased K(+) release in the heart, yet not in skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle there is strong evidence for control of pump activity not only through hormones, but through a hitherto unidentified mechanism. 5) Ionic shifts within the skeletal muscle t tubules and in the heart in extracellular clefts may markedly affect excitation-contraction coupling. 6) Age and state of training together with nutritional state modify muscle K(+) content and the abundance of Na(+)-K(+) pumps. We conclude that despite modifying factors coming into play during muscle activity, the K(+) shifts with high-intensity exercise may contribute substantially to fatigue in skeletal muscle, whereas in the heart, except during ischemia, the K(+) balance is controlled much more effectively.

Functional role of ionic regulation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange assessed in transgenic mouse hearts

Na+/Ca2+ exchange is the primary mechanism mediating Ca2+ efflux from cardiac myocytes during diastole and, thus, can prominently influence contractile force. In addition to transporting Na+ and Ca2+, the exchanger is also regulated by these ions. Although structure-function studies have identified protein regions of the exchanger subserving these regulatory processes, their physiological importance is unknown. In this study, we examined the electrophysiological and mechanical consequences of cardiospecific overexpression of the canine cardiac exchanger NCX1.1 and a deletion mutant of NCX1.1 (Delta680-685), devoid of intracellular Na+ (Na+i)- and Ca2+ (Ca2+i)- dependent regulatory properties, in transgenic mice. Using the giant excised patch-clamp technique, normal ionic regulation was observed in membrane patches from cardiomyocytes isolated from control and transgenic mice overexpressing NCX1.1. In contrast, ionic regulation was nearly abolished in mice overexpressing Delta680-685, indicating that the native regulatory processes could be overwhelmed by expression of the transgene. To address the physiological consequences of ionic regulation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, we examined postrest force development in papillary muscles from NCX1.1 and Delta680-685 transgenic mice. Postrest potentiation was found to be substantially greater in Delta680-685 than in NCX1.1 transgenic mice, supporting the notion that ionic regulation of Na+/Ca2+ exchange plays a significant functional role in cardiac contractile properties.

Sodium/calcium exchange: its physiological implications

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, an ion transport protein, is expressed in the plasma membrane (PM) of virtually all animal cells. It extrudes Ca2+ in parallel with the PM ATP-driven Ca2+ pump. As a reversible transporter, it also mediates Ca2+ entry in parallel with various ion channels. The energy for net Ca2+ transport by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger and its direction depend on the Na+, Ca2+, and K+ gradients across the PM, the membrane potential, and the transport stoichiometry. In most cells, three Na+ are exchanged for one Ca2+. In vertebrate photoreceptors, some neurons, and certain other cells, K+ is transported in the same direction as Ca2+, with a coupling ratio of four Na+ to one Ca2+ plus one K+. The exchanger kinetics are affected by nontransported Ca2+, Na+, protons, ATP, and diverse other modulators. Five genes that code for the exchangers have been identified in mammals: three in the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger family (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3) and two in the Na+/Ca2+ plus K+ family (NCKX1 and NCKX2). Genes homologous to NCX1 have been identified in frog, squid, lobster, and Drosophila. In mammals, alternatively spliced variants of NCX1 have been identified; dominant expression of these variants is cell type specific, which suggests that the variations are involved in targeting and/or functional differences. In cardiac myocytes, and probably other cell types, the exchanger serves a housekeeping role by maintaining a low intracellular Ca2+ concentration; its possible role in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling is controversial. Cellular increases in Na+ concentration lead to increases in Ca2+ concentration mediated by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger; this is important in the therapeutic action of cardiotonic steroids like digitalis. Similarly, alterations of Na+ and Ca2+ apparently modulate basolateral K+ conductance in some epithelia, signaling in some special sense organs (e.g., photoreceptors and olfactory receptors) and Ca2+-dependent secretion in neurons and in many secretory cells. The juxtaposition of PM and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum membranes may permit the PM Na+/Ca2+ exchanger to regulate sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores and influence cellular Ca2+ signaling.

Action-potential duration and contractility in canine cardiac tissues: action of inotropic drugs

1. Inotropic and electrophysiologic effects of veratrine, vesnarinone, d-sotalol and tetraethylammonium (TEA) were compared. Action-potential duration (APD) and contractility were measured in isolated canine Purkinje fiber and ventricular trabecular muscle preparations by using standard microelectrode techniques. Each drug significantly increased APD and force development in either tissue. 2. Drug-induced increases in force development were normalized to increases in APD. The order of efficacy was found to be vesnarinone>veratrine>TEA in ventricular myocardium, whereas it was veratrine>>vesnarinone=d-sotalol=TEA in Purkinje fibers. 3. The force-APD relation was linear for all drugs in the concentrations used. 4. Simultaneous measurements of APD, force development and intracellular sodium ion activity (a(i)Na) in the presence of either veratrine or lidocaine indicated a linear relation between force development and changes in a(i)Na. 5. The relation between APD and force development was different in ventricular and Purkinje fiber preparations. Differences in the veratrine sensitivity of the force-APD relation observed between Purkinje and ventricular preparations suggest that a(i)Na-dependent changes in Na+/Ca2+ exchange may play a more important role in regulation of force generation in Purkinje fibers than in ventricular myocardium.

The control of Ca release from the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum: regulation versus autoregulation

This review discusses the mechanism and regulation of Ca release from the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. Ca is released through the Ca release channel or ryanodine receptor (RyR) by the process of calcium-induced Ca release (CICR). The trigger for this release is the L-type Ca current with a small contribution from Ca entry on the Na-Ca exchange. Recent work has shown that CICR is controlled at the level of small, local domains consisting of one or a small number of L-type Ca channels and associated RyRs. Ca efflux from the s.r. in one such unit is seen as a 'spark' and the properties of these sparks produce controlled Ca release from the s.r. A major factor controlling the amount of Ca released from the s.r. and therefore the magnitude of the systolic Ca transient is its Ca content. The Ca content depends on both the properties of the s.r. and the cytoplasmic Ca concentration. Changes of s.r. Ca content and the Ca released affect the sarcolemmal Ca and Na-Ca exchange currents and this acts to control cell Ca loading and the s.r. Ca content. The opening probability of the RyR can be regulated by various physiological mediators as well as pharmacological compounds. However, it is shown that, due to compensatory changes of s.r. Ca, modifiers of the RyR only produce transient effects on systolic Ca. We conclude that, although the RyR can be regulated, of much greater importance to the control of Ca efflux from the s.r. are effects due to changes of s.r. Ca content.

Potentiation of the contraction following a prolonged depolarization in isolated ferret myocardium

The contractile force was studied in ferret papillary muscles during voltage clamp depolarizations, using the single sucrose gap method. Prolongation of a test depolarization within a train produced potentiation of the following contraction. The effects of varied duration and membrane potential of the test depolarization upon the potentiated force of the following beat were studied. We assumed that force of a beat was an index of calcium entry on the previous depolarization. The relationship between the peak contractile force of the following potentiated beat and the systolic membrane potential of the test depolarization revealed an equilibrium around -18 mV. This was manifest after 100 ms of no effect. Positive potentials caused potentiation of force of the following beat; negative potentials caused suppression of force of the following beat. Calcium entry, if carried by an electrogenic exchange mechanism, would be revealed as a membrane current developing after 100 ms. Membrane current at these times was always outward. When the duration of the test depolarization was prolonged, outward current prior to repolarisation progressively increased. When the duration of the test depolarization was held constant, outward current was varied by variation in membrane potential. Force of the following beat was proportional to the test clamp membrane potential. The potentiation of the contraction following a prolonged depolarization was abolished by substituting 75% of the sodium in the perfusion medium with lithium. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that potentiation of force following a prolonged depolarization is derived from calcium entry into myocardial cells by reversed sodium-calcium exchange.

Mechanical and electrophysiological effects of 8-oxoberberine (JKL1073A) on atrial tissue

The effects of 8-oxoberberine (JKL1073A) on contractions and electrophysiological characteristics of atrial tissues were examined. In driven left atria of the rat JKL1073A (10-100 microM) increased twitch tension dose-dependently. In spontaneously beating right atria, JKL1073A increased twitch tension but decreased beating rate slightly. The positive inotropic and the negative chronotropic effect of 30 microM JKL1073A was not affected by prazosin (1 microM), propranolol (1 microM) and 3-isobutyl-1-methyl-xanthine (10 microM) but significantly suppressed by 4-aminopyridine (2 mM 4-AP). Current-clamp study revealed that JKL1073A prolonged rat atrial action potential duration (APD). This prolongation of APD by JKL1073A was decreased by pretreating the cells with 2 mM 4-AP. Voltage-clamp study showed that JKL1073A inhibited the integral of the transient outward current (I(to)) dose-dependently with a KD value of 3.66 +/- 0.93 microM in rat atrial myocytes. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) for JKL1073A bindings to open state I(to) was 0.50 +/- 0.08 microM. The suppression of I(to) by 3 microM JKL1073A was accompanied by shortening of its inactivation time constant from 52.5 +/- 0.9 ms to 16.8 +/- 0.7 ms. V(0.5) for the steady-state inactivation curve of I(to) was shifted from -25.7 +/- 3.3 mV to -34.8 +/- 3.2 mV. In human atrial cells, similar inhibition of I(to) and prolongation of APD by JKL1073A was found. The KD value of JKL1073A for inhibition of the integral of I(to) in human atrial cells is 4.03 +/- 0.02 microM. The Kd for bindings to open state I(to) is 0.5 microM. Currents through K1 channels of rat and human atrial myocytes were not inhibited by JKL1073A at concentrations up to 10 microM. These results indicate that JKL1073A exerts a positive inotropic effect by inhibition of I(to). JKL1073A inhibit I(to) by binding to open state channels or shifting of the steady-state inactivation curve of I(to).

Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in intact endothelium of rabbit cardiac valve

A new method of measuring cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) of individual intact cardiovascular endothelial cells by using imaging fluorescence microscopy was designed. Application of agonist to the aortic or pulmonary valve of the rabbit triggered an increase in [Ca2+]i, which depended on the existence of endothelium on the surface of the valve. Under resting conditions, sudden reversal of the Na+ gradient by substituting external Na+ with N-methyl D-glucamine (NMDG) resulted in a [Ca2+]i spike, which then returned toward the resting level. Increasing intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) by application of ouabain or monensin induced a sustained [Ca2+]i increase. Na+ substitution by NMDG during the agonist- or monensin-induced [Ca2+]i increase gave rise to a further [Ca2+]i spike, which subsequently declined to a level higher than that before removal of external Na+. A selective inhibitor of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, 3',4'-dichlorobenzamyl (DCB), abolished the transient [Ca2+]i increase induced by Na+ substitution, and Mg2+, an inorganic inhibitor of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger, markedly reduced this transient [Ca2+]i increase. On the other hand, the selective Na(+)-H+ exchanger blocker 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA) did not abolish the transient [Ca2+]i increase caused by Na+ substitution. In summary, decreasing the Na+ gradient of the endothelial cells through either receptor stimulation (agonist), Na(+)-K+ pump inhibition (ouabain), pretreatment with Na+ ionophore (monensin), or reversing the Na+ gradient through Na+ substitution (NMDG) all increased [Ca2+]i. This raised [Ca2+]i was antagonized by agents such as DCB or Mg2+, which are thought to inhibit Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, but not by HMA, an inhibitor of Na(+)-H+ exchange.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of the Anemonia sulcata toxin (ATX II) on intracellular sodium and contractility in rat and guinea-pig myocardium

The effects of the Anemonia sulcata toxin ATX II on action potentials and contractility of isolated papillary muscles and single myocytes from rat and guinea-pig hearts have been studied. ATX II prolonged the action potential in both rat and guinea-pig papillary muscle. Although it produced a positive inotropic effect in guinea-pig papillary muscle, it failed to do so in rat papillary muscle. However, in single rat and guinea-pig ventricular cells, it both prolonged the action potential and had a positive inotropic effect. We suggest that ATX II does not cause a positive inotropic effect in rat papillary muscle, because it induces Ca2+ overload. In single cells the positive inotropic effect was reduced by approximately 50% when the contractions were triggered by voltage clamp pulses of constant duration rather than by action potentials. This suggests that the inotropic effect of ATX II is in part the result of the prolongation of the action potential. The intracellular Na+ activity (a(i)Na) in single ventricular cells was measured with the Na(+)-sensitive fluorescent dye SBFI. After exposure of the cells to ATX II, a(i)Na was increased by a maximum of 1.9 +/- 0.3 and 2.2 +/- 0.3 mM in rat and guinea-pig cells, respectively. It is suggested that the positive inotropic effect of ATX II is also in part the result of the rise in a(i)Na.

Thaliporphine, a positive inotropic agent with a negative chronotropic action

The effects of thaliporphine on contractions and electrophysiological properties of cardiac tissues were examined. In driven rat left atria and right ventricular strips, thaliporphine (1-30 microM) increased twitch tension dose-dependently. The positive inotropic effect of thaliporphine was unaffected by atenolol (3 microM) and prazosin (1 microM) but was significantly suppressed by verapamil (1 microM). An electrophysiological study revealed that thaliporphine (3-10 microM) markedly inhibited the action potential upstroke and prolonged the action potential duration (APD50) in rat and guinea pig atrial and ventricular cells. At 1-30 microM, thaliporphine reduced the transient outward current (Ito) of the rat ventricular cells in a dose-dependent manner. The peak Ito in rat ventricular cells and the delayed rectifying K+ current (Ik in guinea pig ventricular cells were reduced by thaliporphine (10 microM) to 37.3 +/- 2.1% (n = 8) and 45.3 +/- 1.8% (n = 4), respectively. In rat ventricular cells and guinea pig atrial cells, thaliporphine (1.5 microM) reduced the Na+ inward current (INa) with a negative shift (4-5 mV) relative to its half inactivation potential. For the Ca2+ inward current (ICa) in rat ventricular cells, 10 microM of thaliporphine caused a smaller increase in the peak ICa than 0.5 microM of Bay K 8644. The increase in ICa elicited by both agents was associated with a negative shift of its half activation potential from -10 +/- 2 mV to -18 +/- 2 mV (n = 6) by thaliporphine and -11 +/- 2 to -19 +/- 2 mV (n = 4) by Bay K 8644. These results indicate that thaliporphine is a weak Ca2+ channel agonist with strong Na+ and K+ channel blocking activities. The positive inotropic effect may be due to an increase in calcium entry mediated via partial activation of calcium channels or by inhibition of K+ efflux. Inhibition of K+ efflux would result in prolongation of APD50 and contribute to the negative chronotropic effect of thaliporphine.

Properties of the fluorescent sodium indicator "SBFI" in rat and rabbit cardiac myocytes

INTRODUCTION

Although some properties of the fluorescent sodium indicator "SBFI" are known, there is no accepted method by which the SBFI signal might be calibrated for intracellular Na (Nai) in cardiac cells. The first aim of this study was to characterize the loading and compartmentalization of this indicator in single cardiac myocytes. The second aim was, from experimental observation, to develop a rational calibration method for SBFI. The third aim was to use this Na indicator to study the dependence of tonic contraction on Nai in voltage-clamped ventricular myocytes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SBFI was incorporated into myocytes by incubating with the acetoxymethyl ester (10 microM) for 2 hours. This led to an intracellular concentration of SBFI free acid of 122 +/- 17 microM. We considered a number of issues with respect to compartmentalization of indicator and, under our conditions, we found the majority (71%) of indicator was situated in the cytoplasm. Therefore, SBFI indicates mainly changes of cytoplasmic Na. Calibration of the indicator for Nai was performed by equilibrating internal and external Na. We investigated the conditions required for optimum transmembrane Na equilibration and found it necessary to use a calibration solution free of both Ca and magnesium (Mg). The Na ionophores gramicidin D and monensin were both required, and it was also necessary to inhibit the Na/K pump for optimum Na equilibration. Using these conditions, the Nai concentration in quiescent rat ventricular myocytes was 10.9 +/- 0.74 mM (mean +/- SEM, n = 40; equivalent to an Na activity of 8.3 mM). The concentration of Nai was significantly lower in quiescent rabbit myocytes: 3.8 +/- 0.23 mM (n = 24; equivalent to an Na activity of 2.9 mM). In voltage-clamped rabbit myocytes, inhibition of the Na/K pump caused a rise of Nai; there were also marked effects on the tonic shortening elicited by ramp depolarizations. As Nai rose, the magnitude of tonic shortening increased and its voltage dependence also changed.

CONCLUSION

These results confirm the suitability of SBFI for measuring Nai in cardiac cells. Provided that steps are taken to optimize transmembrane Na equilibration, the indicator can be calibrated for Nai. The different Nai of rat and rabbit myocytes has implications for the function of sarcolemmal Na/Ca exchange in each cell type. An Nai of 10.9 mM in rat myocytes gives a calculated reversal potential for the exchange of -35 mV. In comparison, an Nai of 3.8 mM in rabbit myocytes leads to a reversal potential for the exchange +45 mV. Therefore, relatively small changes of Nai can shift the reversal potential of the exchange to values that are substantially more positive or negative than zero. The behavior of voltage-dependent tonic contraction in rabbit myocytes was consistent with the Na/Ca exchange reversal potential being more positive than zero in these cells.

Vascular smooth muscle response to ouabain. Relation of tissue Na+ to the contractile response

Smooth muscle responses to Na+ pump inhibition are thought to reflect two elements: a neurogenic contribution, involving catecholamine release from nerve terminals, and a myogenic response, attributed to relations between pump activity, [Na+]i, and [Ca2+]i. In the present study, we describe the time course and magnitude of cell Na+ changes, assessed by two methods, atomic absorption and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy during the myogenic contractile response of rabbit aorta strips to ouabain. A threshold concentration of 3 x 10(-7) mol/L induced a gradual rise in [Na+]i. Both methods showed an essentially identical monotonic rise over 4 to 8 hours from a baseline level of 8 to 10 mmol/L water to a peak, which was approximately fivefold higher. The neurogenic (rapid) and myogenic (delayed and gradual) contractile responses were temporally distinct. Ouabain at 10(-7) mol/L, a concentration 10- to 100-fold lower than the threshold for catecholamine-dependent rapid-onset responses, induced only a delayed and gradual contractile response, which reached a maximum at 6 to 8 hours. With 10(-6) mol/L ouabain, the delayed response of 1.6 +/- 0.2 g peaked at 7.3 +/- 1.1 hours and was sustained for 16 hours. The time course was similar to that for change in [Na+] but somewhat later. Ouabain at 10(-5) and 10(-4) mol/L induced a delayed response that was identical in magnitude but also induced an early rapid contractile response, which was prevented by reserpine or phentolamine pretreatment. These agents did not influence the delayed response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in cell length consequent on depolarization in single left ventricular myocytes from guinea-pigs with pressure-overload left ventricular hypertrophy

Cell length was measured in single guinea-pig left ventricular myocytes by using a high-resolution photodiode array. Step depolarizations from a holding potential of -45 mV were applied using a switch-clamp technique with 2 M KCl microelectrodes, which were devoid of Ca2+ buffering. Comparison was made between myocytes from sham-operated guinea-pigs and guinea-pigs with mild pressure-overload left ventricular hypertrophy induced by infra-renal aortic constriction. The relation between cell shortening and membrane voltage was bell shaped, and a phasic component of shortening was evident at the range of potentials over which the L-type calcium current was activated. Mean cell shortening was increased in the hypertrophy group, and was maximal at +15 mV in both groups (control, 7.6 +/- 0.9 microns, n = 11, hypertrophy 11.0 +/- 1.2 microns, n = 20, p < 0.05). The latency to the onset of contraction was significantly shorter in the hypertrophy myocytes at -25 mV and at potentials positive to +50 mV. The relation between time-to-peak shortening and voltage showed a trend to shorter times in the hypertrophy group. At very positive potentials a slow component of contraction was identified which was relatively larger in the hypertrophy myocytes. This finding is consistent with increased calcium entry via sarcolemmal sodium-calcium exchange in the myocytes from the hypertrophy group.

Relationship between negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of tocainide and five class I antiarrhythmic drugs in the coronary perfused guinea-pig heart

1. The relationship between the negative inotropic and chronotropic effects of tocainide and 5 other class I antiarrhythmic drugs was evaluated in Langendorff-perfused guinea-pig hearts. 2. All 6 drugs reduced the contractile force (Fc) and the heart rate (HR) of spontaneously beating guinea-pig hearts in a dose-dependent manner. The order of crude negative inotropic potency was: quinidine (Qui) = aprinidine (Apr) > mexiletine (Mex) > lidocaine (Lid) > disopyramide (Dis) > tocainide (Toc); and the order of negative chronotropic effect was: Apr > Qui > Mex > Dis > Lid > Toc. 3. The order of the negative inotropic potency relative to chronotropic effect (expressed as a ratio: ID50 for Fc/ID50 for HR) was Lid > Qui > Dis > Toc > Mex > Apr (n = 6). 4. For heart electrically stimulated at a constant rate, the order of crude negative inotropic potency was: Apr > Qui > Mex > Dis > Lid > Toc, and the order of negative inotropic potency (determined by the ratio: ID50 for Fc in driven heart/ID50 for spontaneously beating HR) was: Mex > Apr > Toc > Dis > Qui > Lid (n = 6). 5. There was a significant influence of negative chronotropic effect on the inotropic potency and the order was: Lid > Qui > Dis > Toc > Apr > Mex. The potency of various drugs is clinically useful in the choice of drugs when considering cardiac function and heart rate.

Modulation of contraction by intracellular Na+ via Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange in single shark (Squalus acanthias) ventricular myocytes

1. The effect of direct alteration of intracellular Na+ concentration on contractile properties of whole-cell clamped shark ventricular myocytes was studied using an array of 256 photodiodes to monitor the length of the isolated myocytes. 2. In myocytes dialysed with Na(+)-free solution, the voltage dependence of Ca2+ current (ICa) and contraction were similar and bell shaped. Contractions activated at all voltages were completely suppressed by nifedipine (5 microM), and failed to show significant tonic components, suggesting dependence of the contraction on Ca2+ influx through the L-type Ca2+ channel. 3. In myocytes dialysed with 60 mM Na+, a ICa-dependent and a ICa-independent component of contraction could be identified. The Ca2+ current-dependent component was prominent in voltages between -30 to +10 mV. The ICa-independent contractions were maintained for the duration of depolarization, increased with increasing depolarization between +10 to +100 mV, and were insensitive to nifedipine. 4. In such myocytes, repolarization produced slowly decaying inward tail currents closely related to the time course of relaxation and the degree of shortening prior to repolarization. 5. With 60 mM Na+ in the pipette solution, positive clamp potentials activated decaying outward currents which correlated to the size of contraction. These outward currents appeared to be generated by the Na(+)-Ca(2+)-exchanger since they depended on the presence of intracellular Na+, and were neither suppressed by nifedipine nor by K+ channel blockers. 6. The results suggest that in shark (Squalus acanthias) ventricular myocytes, which lack functionally relevant Ca2+ release pools, both Ca2+ channel and the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger deliver sufficient Ca2+ to activate contraction, though the effectiveness of the latter mechanism was highly dependent on the [Na+]i.

Myocardial force interval relationships: influence of external sodium and calcium, muscle length, muscle diameter and stimulation frequency

Several inotropic interventions were studied in thin papillary muscles under dynamic conditions. The effects on mechanical restitution and postextrasystolic potentiation were analysed. The decay of postextrasystolic potentiation was taken as a measure of recirculation fraction of activator calcium. The mechanical restitution curve had a plateau phase on its rising phase which was abolished in low extracellular sodium but pronounced in increased extracellular calcium. The recirculation fraction (RF) in control was 0.35 +/- 0.03; lowering the extracellular sodium by 20% increased the RF to 0.46 +/- 0.04 (n = 10). A reduction of sodium by 40% increased the RF to 0.57 +/- 0.04, whereas increasing extracellular calcium to 4 mM gave an RF of 0.48 +/- 0.05 (n = 10 in all cases). There was no significant effect on RF of changing basic stimulation frequency or muscle preparation length. These findings support RF as a good index of myocardial contractility. Furthermore, at muscle diameters above 0.65 mm the RF was found to be reduced, suggesting this diameter as critical for muscle function. Also, postextrasystolic potentiation in relation to preceding steady state contraction was markedly increased at these diameters. In conclusion, this study shows that RF is independent of stimulation frequency and muscle length, and that it is increased when calcium extrusion by the sodium/calcium exchange is reduced. Furthermore, RF is critically dependent upon the diameter of the preparation and mechanical restitution is changed by altered extracellular sodium concentration.

Digital-imaging microscopy analysis of calcium release from sarcoplasmic reticulum in single rat cardiac myocytes

Digital imaging microscopy of fura-2 fluorescence has allowed us to assess the dynamic patterns of local Ca increase in newly isolated rat myocardial cells. Of the myocytes bathed in a saline solution (1.8 mM Ca2+, 37 degrees C, pH 7.4), 10%-20% exhibited local spontaneous contractions. The resting intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) of these cells was 106 +/- 4 nM versus 77 +/- 3 nM for non-contracting cells. The spontaneous contractile activity appeared to be closely related to internal spontaneous Ca waves that spread across the myoplasm (velocity approximately 50 microns/s, maximal Ca amplitude = 195 +/- 11 nM) along the major axis of the cells. Precise topographical examination of Ca wave propagation indicated a refractory period for internal Ca release. The occurrence of both the generation and propagation of spontaneous Ca increases appeared to be closely dependent on the extent of Ca loading of the cells. Most of our observations were in accordance with the assumption that local Ca overload of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is the main parameter involved in the spontaneous Ca-release phenomena. Using the same approach, the increase in internal Ca evoked by KCl (50 mM) addition was investigated, and compared with that seen during spontaneous activity. Total [Ca2+]i increase induced by K+ depolarization involved three consecutive local Ca-release patterns: (a) a peripheral Ca enhancement that remained during the total [Ca2+]i increase, (b) subsequent transversal local Ca increases occurring in Z-line regions, (c) longitudinal local Ca increases. In addition, a weak heterogeneous Ca distribution was detected in both peripheral and central parts of resting cardiac cells. Thus, the total Ca increase seemed to result consecutively from a peripheral Ca pool, from junctional SR and from longitudinal structures (possibly longitudinal SR).

The calcium paradox in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes: effects of membrane potential and intracellular sodium

1. Guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, isolated enzymatically without the aid of special media, show a similar sensitivity to the calcium paradox as Langendorff-perfused hearts. 2. Measurement of the intracellular activities of Na+ and Ca2+ ions, with a suction-type ion-sensitive microelectrode at rest, during calcium depletion and during inhibition of the Na+ pump (under both current and voltage clamp) yield values similar to those obtained from multicellular preparations and from isolated myocytes by other means. 3. In voltage-clamped myocytes bathed by media free of divalent cations, an inward sodium current that flows through the L-type Ca2+ channels, the rate of rise of aiNa and the strength of the contraction induced by return to normal Tyrode solution, show a similar bell-shaped dependence on the membrane potential during the period of Ca2+ deprivation. 4. The rise in aiNa that occurs in Ca(2+)-free, Mg(2+)-free media, induces an outward current which is composed of currents due to activation of the Na+ pump and K+ channels. 5. On Ca2+ repletion the loading of the cells with Ca2+ does not generate an inward current and the contracture can be reduced, in a dose-dependent way, by the introduction of BAPTA into the sarcoplasm from the solution in the voltage electrode. When [Ca2+]i is buffered by added BAPTA, the estimated amount of Ca2+ which can enter on Ca2+ repletion is sufficient to bind up to 10 mM of the BAPTA. This change in concentration is similar to that expected from the rise and fall in aiNa, seen on Ca2+ depletion and repletion, if a 3 Na+:1 Ca2+ exchange is responsible for the Ca2+ influx. 6. These data offer support for the so-called intracellular sodium hypothesis for the origin of the calcium paradox in the heart. As the effects of Ca2+ repletion can be prevented by clamping the membrane potential so that aiNa does not rise, the contribution of the other effects of Ca2+ depletion to the initiation of the calcium paradox would seem to be less important.

Sodium-calcium exchange in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells

1. Intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) was measured in cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell monolayers loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator Fura-2. 2. Resting [Ca2+]i was 112 +/- 10 nM. Application of ouabain (20 microM) was without effect on [Ca2+]i for periods of up to 1 h. Monensin (10 microM) resting [Ca2+]i to 145 +/- 32 nM over approximately 2 min. In the presence of ouabain (20 microM), 10 microM-monensin increased [Ca2+]i to 146 +/- 15 nM. 3. Removal of extracellular sodium was without effect in resting cells or cells exposed to ouabain alone. However, in the presence of monensin, replacement of extracellular Na+ with Li+ resulted in a prompt increase in [Ca2+]i to a peak of 280 +/- 37 nM, which then returned towards resting levels. When Na+ was removed in the presence of both ouabain and monensin, [Ca2+]i reached a peak of 585 +/- 53 nM. 4. When extracellular Na+ was replaced with K+, to achieve simultaneous Na+ removal and depolarization, [Ca2+]i reached a peak of 568 +/- 63 nM, compared with a peak of 462 +/- 38 nM when Li+ was used as a Na+ substitute in paired experiments. The transient increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by sodium removal peaked earlier when K+ was used as the sodium substitute, showing that depolarization increased the rate of calcium influx into the cell when sodium was removed from the bathing medium. 5. Removal of extracellular K+ had no effect on the low-Na(+)-evoked increase in [Ca2+]i. 6. Returning extracellular Na+ during the increase in [Ca2+]i resulting from Na+ removal increased the rate of return of [Ca2+]i towards basal levels. In the absence of Na+, [Ca2+]i took 41 +/- 5 s to decline from 400 to 200 nM, and this was reduced to 26 +/- 6 s (n = 4, S.E.M.) when Na+ was returned to the bathing solution. 7. These results indicate endothelial cells possess a voltage-dependent Na(+) -Ca2+ exchange mechanism in the surface membrane. However, this mechanism does not appear to be of primary importance in the maintenance of resting [Ca2+]i since cells were able to restore a low [Ca2+]i in the absence of extracellular Na+. The evidence for the existence of a Na(+) -Ca2+ exchanger in the surface membrane of endothelial cells and the possibility that this mechanism may contribute to calcium entry and/or extrusion during agonist-evoked responses is discussed.

Force production following transient potential changes in voltage-clamped myocardium

Inter-relationships between force, membrane voltage and currents were studied in ferret and guinea-pig papillary muscles using the single sucrose gap technique (37 degrees C). The preparations were held at -90 or -40 mV and depolarized (excited) to 0 mV for 180 ms at 1.0 Hz. At regular intervals the shape of a single clamp pulse (called '1') was varied and its effects were investigated during the same test cycle and in two subsequent test cycles ('2' and '3'). Peak force of contraction 1 (F1) increased with the duration of the test clamp up to 90 ms and was constant thereafter. F1 increased with clamp amplitude (V1) between -30 and 10 mV and decreased at greater amplitudes. This relation was similar to the relation between peak second inward current (I1) and V1. The peak force of contractions 2 and 3 rose with the clamp duration and clamp amplitudes of cycle 1. The relation between F3 and F2 was linear (slope 0.40), except at the lowest and highest F2 values where there was a small deviation. There was an inverse relation between I2 and F2. The results support the idea that increased duration or amplitude of the voltage clamp pulse leads to a greater calcium entry which is manifested in the following potentiated contraction. The relation between F3 and F2 implies that about 40% of calcium recirculates between the contractions. The inverse relationship between F2 and I2 indicates that the second inward current is regulated by release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via negative feedback.

Acidification and intracellular sodium ion activity during stimulated myocardial ischemia

With the use of microelectrodes, intracellular pH (pHi), surface pH (pHs), and intracellular Na+ activity (aiNa) were measured in isolated guinea pig papillary muscles during normal superfusion and during a reversible condition of simulated ischemia. Acid loading by NH+4 prepulse or by CO2-HCO3- addition during superfusion with pH 7.4 solutions caused internal acidification followed by a recovery of pHi, which could be inhibited by amiloride. pHi recovery was associated with an amiloride-sensitive peak rise of aiNa and membrane hyperpolarization, indicative of Na(+)-H+ exchange. Peak increase of aiNa was absent if the pH of the superfusion solution was concomitantly lowered. Imposed ischemia after control superfusion caused membrane depolarization and acidification of pHi and pHs. The change of pHs consistently was larger than that of pHi. aiNa decreased from 5.5 to 4.6 mM after 10-min ischemia. Enlarging the pHi (and pHs) decrease in ischemia by prior reduction of the tissue buffer capacity (CO2-HCO3(-)-free superfusion) was unable to induce a rise of aiNa during the subsequent ischemic period. Amiloride had no significant effect on aiNa during ischemia. It is concluded that the important acidification of pHs reduces the rate of pHi regulatory Na(+)-H+ exchange and thereby contributes to a longer maintenance of the Na+ electrochemical gradient in ischemic cardiac muscle.

The effect of heart rate on the arrhythmogenic transient inward current in isolated sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres

1. The effect of heart rate on the arrhythmogenic transient inward current (ITI) has been studied in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres. 2. Transient inward current and force (active force, tonic force and the after-contraction) have been measured in voltage-clamped preparations. Intracellular Na+ activity (aiNa) was measured simultaneously using Na(+)-sensitive microelectrodes. The effects of changes in voltage-clamp pulse frequency on the ITI amplitude, active force, tonic force, the after-contraction and aiNa have been investigated in different bathing solutions. 3. After a stepwise increase in pulse rate there was a biphasic response of ITI amplitude: a short-lasting (50 s) phase during which ITI amplitude increased followed by a decline in ITI amplitude. The second phase could be fitted by an exponential with a time constant between 102 and 184 s. The after-contraction changed in a similar biphasic manner whereas force and aiNa declined monophasically; active force first declined, increased and then declined again. These changes were greater at faster rates of pulsing. 4. Linear relationships between ITI amplitude, after-contraction amplitude and tonic force were observed in all experiments. 5. In K(+)-free solution the response of the ITI was markedly changed. After an increase in pulse rate the initial increase in ITI was enhanced, whereas the subsequent decline was strongly reduced or even abolished. Potassium-free solution blocks the Na+ pump, and activation of the Na+ pump by addition of Cs+ or K+ restored the phase of decay of ITI amplitude during rapid stimulation. 6. A reduction of external Na+ to about 50% or elevation of external Ca2+ increased ITI but had little effect on the rate-dependent changes in the current. 7. When stimulation was resumed at the basic pulse rate after a period of rapid pulsing the ITI amplitude initially continued to decline: this was followed by a slow recovery (over 10-15 min) of ITI amplitude back to its steady-state value prior to fast pulsing. 8. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that changes of ITI are the result of rate-dependent changes in intracellular Ca2+, which in turn are in part dependent on changes of intracellular Na+.

Intracellular Ca transients in rat cardiac myocytes: role of Na-Ca exchange in excitation-contraction coupling

Membrane current and intracellular Ca concentration ([Ca]i) transients were recorded from isolated rat ventricular myocytes under voltage-clamp control. The cells were dialyzed by the patch pipette solution, which contained the fluorescent Ca indicator indo-1 and 0.5 mM Na. Under these experimental conditions, Ca entry via Na-Ca exchange did not appear to be appreciable even in the absence of extracellular Na. Increasing the duration of voltage-clamp pulses from 5 to 80 ms produced [Ca]i transients of increasing amplitude, while the peak Ca current was not changed. This duration dependence of the [Ca]i transient was most demonstrable at more negative test potentials (e.g., -20 to -30 mV) and was not qualitatively modified by Na-free solutions. This latter result indicates that Ca extrusion by Na-Ca exchange is not responsible for the smaller [Ca]i transients observed when the membrane is repolarized after very brief depolarizations. Although the peak Ca current was not changed by increasing pulse duration, the integrated Ca current was increased. These observations are consistent with a Ca-release mechanism in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling in which 1) the Ca-release process can be modulated by membrane potential or 2) the Ca entering the cell via Ca channels has a preferential access [compared with Ca from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)] to the site(s) that control SR Ca release. The role of Na-Ca exchange in the decline of [Ca]i during relaxation was also explored. Removal of extracellular Na (Nao) resulted in 20% slowing of the decline in [Ca]i during relaxation. From this, we conclude that the Na-Ca exchange competes with SR to remove Ca from the cytoplasm and that under our control conditions the exchanger may account for 20% of this decline. The Nao dependence of relaxation was reduced at more positive membrane potentials and increased by SR Ca loading.

Interaction of intracellular ion buffering with transmembrane-coupled ion transport

The role of the Na/Ca exchanger in the control of cellular excitability and tension development is a subject of current interest in cardiac physiology. It has been suggested that this coupled transporter is responsible for rapid changes in intracellular calcium activity during single beats, generation of plateau currents, which control action potential duration, and control of intracellular sodium during Na/K pump suppression, which may occur during terminal states of ischemia. The actual behavior of this exchanger is likely to be complex for several reasons. First, the exchanger transports two ionic species and thus its instantaneous flux rate depends on both intracellular sodium and calcium activity. Secondly, the alteration in intracellular calcium activity, which is caused by a given transmembrane calcium flux, and which controls the subsequent exchanger rate, is a complex function of available intracellular calcium buffering. The buffers convert the ongoing transmembrane calcium fluxes into changes in activity that are a small and variable fraction of the change in total calcium concentration. Using a number of simple assumptions, we model changes in intracellular calcium and sodium concentration under the influence of Na/Ca exchange, Na/K ATPase and Ca-ATPase pumps, and passive sodium and calcium currents during periods of suppression and reactivation of the Na/K ATPase pump. The goal is to see whether and to what extent general notions of the role of the Na/Ca exchanger used in planning and interpreting experimental studies are consistent with its function as derived from current mechanistic assumptions about the exchanger. We find, for example, that based on even very high estimates of intracellular calcium buffering, it is unlikely that Na/Ca exchange alone can control intracellular sodium during prolonged Na/K pump blockade. It is also shown that Na/Ca exchange can contaminate measurements of Na/K pump currents under a variety of experimental conditions. The way in which these and other functions are affected by the dissociation constants and total capacity of the intracellular calcium buffers are also explored in detail.

Comparison of sodium-calcium exchanger and transient inward currents in single cells from rabbit ventricle

1. Whole-cell voltage-clamp measurements have been made in rabbit ventricular myocytes under conditions in which both Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger currents (IEX, slow tails) and transient inward currents (ITI or TI) can be recorded. A number of experimental manoeuvres have been used in an attempt to separate or dissociate these two currents. 2. As expected, partial inhibition of the Na(+)-K+ pump by application of 0.54 mM [K+] Tyrode solution or 10(-5) M-strophanthidin induced TI currents which were recorded in the presence of IEX slow tails. 3. Complete inhibition of the Na(+)-K+ pump with zero [K+] Tyrode solution resulted in larger and more frequent TIs but smaller IEX tails. 4. A somewhat similar dissociation between ITI and IEX was observed when NaCl was reduced to 37.5 mM by using LiCl to replace NaCl. This inhibited the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger current, but induced ITI. 5. Transient inward currents and IEX tails could also be separated by selected patterns of stimulation (voltage-clamp depolarizations): following the second pulse of a pair of stimuli, IEX was significantly reduced whereas the TIs increased in size and frequency. 6. Additional experimental tests involving changes in external divalent ions could also separate these two currents. Increasing [Ca2+]o 3-fold increased the TIs without changing IEX. Shortly after [Ca2+]o was replaced with either [Ba2+]o or [Sr2+]o the TIs were blocked but IEX was unchanged. Application of MnCl2 (1 mM) and elevation of [K+]o inhibited IEX but did not significantly change the TI currents. 7. Application of caffeine (5-10 mM) or ryanodine (2 x 10(-6) M) blocked the TI currents at times when the IEX tails were not changed. 8. In combination these results suggest that even though both IEX and ITI are triggered (activated) by increases in [Ca2+]i, these two currents are distinct. IEX is generated by electrogenic Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, while the TI currents may be due to Ca2(+)-activated cation-selective channels in the sarcolemma.

Cellular origins of the transient inward current in cardiac myocytes. Role of fluctuations and waves of elevated intracellular calcium

Activation of the transient inward current (ITI) by a rise in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is believed to be responsible for generating triggered cardiac arrhythmias. In this study, the cellular basis of the rise in [Ca2+]i that activates ITI and aftercontractions in single rat ventricular myocytes was examined. [Ca2+]i was measured both indirectly by cell contraction and directly with fura-2. Under conditions that caused steady-state [Ca2+]i to increase (i.e., calcium overload) membrane repolarization after a voltage-clamp depolarization resulted in the appearance of ITI that was similar in many respects to that observed in multicellular preparations. This ITI occurred at the same time that [Ca2+]i spontaneously increased and preceded the aftercontraction by 60-90 msec. However, ITI recorded from a single cell was variable in time course and amplitude (unlike that observed in multicellular preparations). Examination of cell contraction and digital imaging of fura-2 fluorescence showed that ITI was often associated with propagating regions of increased [Ca2+]i, which arose from discrete sites of origin within the cell. Apparently synchronous aftercontractions could also be associated with multiple propagating waves of [Ca2+]i. The variation in the time course and amplitude of ITI in single cells appeared to be due to changes in the location and number of sites of origin for the waves of [Ca2+]i. After the first aftercontraction and ITI, desynchronization of the sites of origin of increased [Ca2+]i occurred, and this resulted in a decrease in the amplitude of ITI and an increase in its duration. We conclude that the variability seen in single cells arises from changes in the pattern of spontaneous Ca2+ release. Such phenomena will seriously complicate interpretation of multicellular data, even when [Ca2+]i is measured directly.

Effect of acetylstrophanthidin on twitches, microscopic tension fluctuations and cooling contractures in rabbit ventricle

1. We have measured the effect of the aglycone acetylstrophanthidin (ACS) on twitches, cooling contractures and microscopic tension fluctuations in rabbit ventricular muscle. 2. Both developed twitches and cooling contractures are strengthened by applications of ACS in the range 1-4 microM. This positive inotropy averages 150-160% of control (zero ACS) in both twitches and cooling contractures. Cooling contracture magnitude is assumed to reflect the availability of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ for contraction (Bridge, 1986). We infer that ACS increases the availability of SR Ca2+ by enlarging SR Ca2+ stores and this may contribute to the positive inotropy. 3. However, twitches appear to increase at lower concentrations of ACS than those required to increase cooling contractures. This observation suggests that the initial ACS inotropy may be achieved without an increase in SR Ca2+. Furthermore, low doses of ACS produce positive inotropy in the presence of 10.0 mM-caffeine where cooling contractures are abolished. This also suggests that positive inotropy occurs in the absence of SR Ca2+ accumulation. 4. Rest decay of both cooling contractures and twitches is significantly slowed in 4 and 8 microM-ACS. We infer that ACS slows the rate of decline of SR Ca2+ available for contraction by slowing the rate at which Ca2+ is lost from the cell during rest. This suggests that ACS produces a net slowing of Ca2+ efflux during activity which in the absence of altered Ca2+ influx will result in net Ca2+ gain and presumably enlarged SR Ca2+ stores. 5. Increasing the concentration of ACS (6-10 microM) results in a decline in developed twitch tension, total tension and an increase in rest tension. Measurement of microscopic tension fluctuations indicates that as developed twitches decline, the root mean square (r.m.s.) of the tension fluctuations increases in a reciprocal manner. This supports the suggestion of others that the decline in developed twitch tension and the appearance of tension fluctuations are causally related. 6. Although ACS (6-10 microM) causes a decline in twitch tension, rapid cooling contractures remain elevated. We suggest that in the presence of Ca2+ oscillations the magnitude of cooling contractures reflects the sum of cytosolic Ca2+ and Ca2+ that is available for release. If microscopic tension fluctuations do represent Ca2+ moving between the SR and cytosol the sum of SR and cytosolic Ca2+ and hence cooling contracture might not decline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Na+-Ca2+ exchange in regulation of contractility in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers

To study Na+-Ca2+ exchange, intracellular Na+ activity (aiNa), twitch tension, and transmembrane potential were simultaneously measured in canine cardiac Purkinje fibers driven at a constant rate (1 Hz) in the absence and presence of strophanthidin (5 X 10(-7) M) at normal, low, and high extracellular [Na+] ([Na+]o) or [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]o). Intracellular Ca2+ activity (aiCa) of the fibers was also measured in a normal Tyrode solution. Reductions of [Na+]o by 20, 40, and 60% decreased the ratio of extracellular Na+ activity (aoNa) and aiNa in the steady state but steeply increased twitch tension. This finding is consistent with the view that a decrease in aoNa/aiNa increases intracellular Ca2+ through Na+-Ca2+ exchange. In further agreement with this view, a Na+-free solution virtually depleted intracellular Na+ and increased the resting tension of the fibers. The slope of the relation of the logs of twitch tension and aiNa that was determined at normal [Na+]o and [Ca2+]o may reflect the properties of the Na+-Ca2+ exchange. Slope of log tension-aiNa relationship decreased when reducing [Na+]o or increasing [Ca2+]o had decreased the level of aiNa. On the other hand, the slope increased when a rise in [Na+]o or a reduction in [Ca2+]o had increased the level of aiNa. These results indicate that as the aiNa level increased, slope of tension-aiNa relation increased, which suggests that Na+-Ca2+ exchange may depend on level of aiNa.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of tetrodotoxin, lidocaine, and quinidine on the transient inward current of sheep Purkinje fibres

The effect of tetrodotoxin (TTX), lidocaine, and quinidine on the transient inward current (TI) was studied in voltage-clamped sheep cardiac Purkinje fibres. The TI was induced by elevation of extracellular Ca or addition of strophanthidin. Reduction of external Na had a biphasic effect on the steady state TI magnitude; a moderate (less than 50%) reduction of external Na had an enhancing effect on the TI; a further decrease of extracellular Na was accompanied by a decline of TI amplitude. The TI could not be induced in Na-free medium (external Ca less than or equal to 9.0 mM). TTX, lidocaine, and quinidine reduced the magnitude of the TI in a dose-dependent way. The blocking effect of these agents could be compensated for by a moderate (less than 50%) reduction of external Na or an elevation of extracellular Ca. It is suggested that the blocking effect of TTX, lidocaine, and quinidine on the TI is due to a reduction of intracellular Na, which causes a decay of intracellular Ca via the Na-Ca exchange mechanism.

Low-sodium contractures indicating sarcolemmal Na/Ca-exchange in the frog heart

1. In the frog heart, Ca2+ enters the cell by the slow inward current (Isi) and by an electrogenic, carrier-mediated, and passive Na-out/Ca-in-exchange. 2. The latter reverses to Na-in/Ca-out-exchange during depolarization and thereby controls relaxation. 3. The exchange ratio is 3 Na+ for 1 Ca2+. 4. The Na/Ca-exchange is not inhibited by organic Ca-antagonists in frog myocardium, indicating that the initiation of the heart beat may mainly depend on Isi. 5. This is not necessarily in contradiction with the Na-Ca-antagonism, since there also exists an antagonism between Na+ and Ca2+ in the slow channel. 6. However, the contractures caused by a decrease of NaO+ are mediated by the Na/Ca-exchange.

Effect of membrane potential changes on the calcium transient in single rat cardiac muscle cells

The mechanism that links membrane potential changes to the release of calcium from internal stores to cause contraction of cardiac cells is unclear. By using the calcium indicator fura-2 under voltage-clamp conditions, changes in intracellular calcium could be monitored in single rat ventricular cells while controlling membrane potential. The voltage dependence of the depolarization-induced increase in intracellular calcium was not the same as that of the calcium current (Isi), which suggests that only a small fraction of Isi is required to trigger calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In addition, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release may be partly regulated by membrane potential, since repolarization could terminate the rise in intracellular calcium. Thus, changes in the action potential will have immediate effects on the time course of the calcium transient beyond those associated with its effects on Isi.

Strophanthidin and force regulation by intracellular sodium activity in cardiac Purkinje fibers

The role of intracellular sodium activity (aiNa) in the inotropy of a low concentration of strophanthidin (5 X 10(-8 M) was studied in sheep cardiac Purkinje fibers by recording contractile force, aiNa and transmembrane potentials under conditions that vary aiNa. High [Na]O, strophanthidin and tetrodotoxin (TTX) changed force and aiNa in a closely related manner: on logarithmic coordinates, the data were well fitted by a single line obtained through the regression equation F = b (aiNa)s where b represents the intercept and s the slope of the relation. With low strophanthidin, force increases as a linear function of (aiNa) approximately 5 and with high [Na]O as a linear function of (aiNa) approximately 6. However, the combined administration of high [Na]O and strophanthidin results in a potentiated inotropic effect as force becomes a linear function of (aiNa) approximately 14. This potentiation and its abolition by TTX suggests that factors other than aiNa powerfully modify the inotropy of a low strophanthidin concentration.