Two structurally distinct calcium storage sites in rat cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum: an electron microprobe analysis study

Analysis of Cav1.2 and ryanodine receptor clusters in rat ventricular myocytes

We analyzed the distribution of ryanodine receptor (RyR) and Cav1.2 clusters in adult rat ventricular myocytes using three-dimensional object-based colocalization metrics. We found that ∼75% of the Cav1.2 clusters and 65% of the RyR clusters were within couplons, and both were roughly two and a half times larger than their extradyadic counterparts. Within a couplon, Cav1.2 was concentrated near the center of the underlying RyR cluster and accounted for ∼67% of its size. These data, together with previous findings from binding studies, enable us to estimate that a couplon contains 74 RyR tetramers and 10 copies of the α-subunit of Cav1.2. Extradyadic clusters of RyR contained ∼30 tetramers, whereas the extradyadic Cav1.2 clusters contained, on average, only four channels. Between 80% and 85% of both RyR and Cav1.2 molecules are within couplons. RyR clusters were in the closest proximity, with a median nearest-neighbor distance of 552 nm; comparable values for Cav1.2 clusters and couplons were 619 nm and 735 nm, respectively. Extradyadic RyR clusters were significantly closer together (624 nm) and closer to the couplons (674 nm) than the couplons were to each other. In contrast, the extradyadic clusters of Cav1.2 showed no preferential localization and were broadly distributed. These results provide a wealth of morphometric data that are essential for understanding intracellular Ca2+ regulation and modeling Ca2+ dynamics.

From eggs to hearts: what is the link between cyclic ADP-ribose and ryanodine receptors?

It was first proposed that cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) could activate ryanodine receptors (RyR) in 1991. Following a subsequent report that cADPR could activate cardiac RyR (RyR2) reconstituted into artificial membranes and stimulate Ca(2+) -release from isolated cardiac SR, there has been a steadily mounting stockpile of publications proclaiming the physiological and pathophysiological importance of cADPR in the cardiovascular system. It was only 2 years earlier, in 1989, that cADPR was first identified as the active metabolite of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), responsible for triggering the release of Ca(2+) from crude homogenates of sea urchin eggs. Twenty years later, can we boast of being any closer to unraveling the mechanisms by which cADPR modulates intracellular Ca(2+) -release? This review sets out to examine the mechanisms underlying the effects of cADPR and ask whether cADPR is an important signaling molecule in the heart.

Axial tubules of rat ventricular myocytes form multiple junctions with the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are located primarily on the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), adjacent to the transverse tubules and on the cell surface near the Z-lines, but some RyRs are on junctional SR adjacent to axial tubules. Neither the size of the axial junctions nor the numbers of RyRs that they contain have been determined. RyRs may also be located on the corbular SR and on the free or network SR. Because determining and quantifying the distribution of RyRs is critical for both understanding and modeling calcium dynamics, we investigated the distribution of RyRs in healthy adult rat ventricular myocytes, using electron microscopy, electron tomography, and immunofluorescence. We found RyRs in only three regions: in couplons on the surface and on transverse tubules, both of which are near the Z-line, and in junctions on most of the axial tubules--axial junctions. The axial junctions averaged 510 nm in length, but they occasionally spanned an entire sarcomere. Numerical analysis showed that they contain as much as 19% of a cell's RyRs. Tomographic analysis confirmed the axial junction's architecture, which is indistinguishable from junctions on transverse tubules or on the surface, and revealed a complexly structured tubule whose lumen was only 26 nm at its narrowest point. RyRs on axial junctions colocalize with Ca(v)1.2, suggesting that they play a role in excitation-contraction coupling.

The dynamics of luminal depletion and the stochastic gating of Ca2+-activated Ca2+ channels and release sites

Single channel models of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) channels such as the 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor often assume that Ca(2+)-dependent transitions are mediated by constant background cytosolic [Ca(2+)]. This assumption neglects the fact that Ca(2+) released by open channels may influence subsequent gating through the processes of Ca(2+)-activation or inactivation. Similarly, the influence of the dynamics of luminal depletion on the stochastic gating of intracellular Ca(2+) channels is often neglected, in spite of the fact that the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum [Ca(2+)] near the luminal face of intracellular Ca(2+) channels influences the driving force for Ca(2+), the rate of Ca(2+) release, and the magnitude and time course of the consequent increase in cytosolic domain [Ca(2+)]. Here we analyze how the steady-state open probability of several minimal Ca(2+)-regulated Ca(2+) channel models depends on the conductance of the channel and the time constants for the relaxation of elevated cytosolic [Ca(2+)] and depleted luminal [Ca(2+)] to the bulk [Ca(2+)] of both compartments. Our approach includes Monte Carlo simulation as well as numerical solution of a system of advection-reaction equations for the multivariate probability density of elevated cytosolic [Ca(2+)] and depleted luminal [Ca(2+)] conditioned on each state of the stochastically gating channel. Both methods are subsequently used to study the role of luminal depletion in the dynamics of Ca(2+) puff/spark termination in release sites composed of Ca(2+) channels that are activated, but not inactivated, by cytosolic Ca(2+). The probability density approach shows that such minimal Ca(2+) release site models may exhibit puff/spark-like dynamics in either of two distinct parameter regimes. In one case, puffs/spark termination is due to the process of stochastic attrition and facilitated by rapid Ca(2+) domain collapse [cf. DeRemigio, H., Smith, G., 2005. The dynamics of stochastic attrition viewed as an absorption time on a terminating Markov chain. Cell Calcium 38, 73-86]. In the second case, puff/spark termination is promoted by the local depletion of luminal Ca(2+).

Regulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase expression in the hypertrophic and failing heartThis paper is part of a series in the Journal's “Made in Canada” section. The paper has undergone peer review

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays a central role in the contraction and relaxation coupling in the myocardium. The SR Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2) transports Ca2+ inside the SR lumen during relaxation of the cardiac myocyte. It is well known that diminished contractility of the hypertrophic cardiac myocyte is the main factor of ventricular dysfunction in the failing heart. A key feature of the failing heart is a decreased content and activity of SERCA2, which is the cause of some of the physiological defects observed in the hypertrophic cardiomyocyte performance that are important during transition of compensated hypertrophy to heart failure. In this review different possible mechanisms responsible for decreased transcriptional regulation of the SERCA2 gene are examined, which appear to be the primary cause for decreased SERCA2 expression in heart failure. The experimental evidence suggests that several signalling pathways are involved in the downregulation of SERCA2 expression in the hypertrophic and failing cardiomyocyte. Therapeutic upregulation of SERCA2 expression using replication deficient adenoviral expression vectors, pharmacological interventions using thyroid hormone analogues, β-adrenergic receptor antagonists, and novel metabolically active compounds are currently under investigation for the treatment of uncompensated cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

Sub-second cellular dynamics: time-resolved electron microscopy and functional correlation

Subcellular processes, from molecular events to organellar responses and cell movement, cover a broad scale in time and space. Clearly the extremes, such as ion channel activation are accessible only by electrophysiology, whereas numerous routine methods exist for relatively slow processes. However, many other processes, from a millisecond time scale on, can be "caught" only by methods providing appropriate time resolution. Fast freezing (cryofixation) is the method of choice in that case. In combination with follow-up methodologies appropriate for electron microscopic (EM) analysis, with all its variations, such technologies can also provide high spatial resolution. Such analyses may include, for example, freeze-fracturing for analyzing restructuring of membrane components, scanning EM and other standard EM techniques, as well as analytical EM analyses. The latter encompass energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis and electron spectroscopic imaging, all applicable, for instance, to the second messenger, calcium. Most importantly, when conducted in parallel, such analyses can provide a structural background to the functional analyses, such as cyclic nucleotide formation or protein de- or rephosphorylation during cell stimulation. In sum, we discuss many examples of how it is practically possible to achieve strict function-structure correlations in the sub-second time range. We complement this review by discussing alternative methods currently available to analyze fast cellular phenomena occurring in the sub-second time range.

Effects of nanomolar concentration dihydroouabain on calcium current and intracellular calcium in guinea pig ventricular myocytes

The effects of nanomolar concentration of dihydroouabain (DHO) on L-type calcium current (ICa-L), TTX-sensitive calcium current (ICa(TTX)), and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in guinea pig ventricular myocytes. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record ICa-L and ICa(TTX); [Ca2+]i was detected and recorded with the confocal microscopy. The nanomolar concentration of DHO increased the ICa-L, ICa(TTX), and [Ca2+]i, which could be partially inhibited by nisoldipine or TTX, but still appeared in the absence of extracellular K+ and Na+. These data suggest that DHO could increase [Ca2+]i in non-beating myocytes via stimulating the ICa-L and ICa(TTX), or perhaps triggering directly a release of intracellular calcium.

Subcellular distribution of Homer 1b/c in relation to endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane proteins in Purkinje neurons

The subcellular distribution of endoplasmic reticulum proteins (IP3R1 and RYR), plasma membrane (PM) proteins (mGluR1 and PMCA Ca(2+)-pump), and scaffolding proteins, such as Homer 1b/c, was assessed by laser scanning confocal microscopy of rat cerebellum parasagittal sections. There appeared to be two classes of Ca2+ stores, nonjunctional Ca2+ stores and junctional Ca2+ stores, possibly referable to central cisternae/tubules and sub-PM cisternae, respectively, in soma, dendrites, and dendritic spines. Only some IP3R1s appeared to be part of multimeric, junctional Ca2+ signaling networks, whose composition is shown to include PMCA, mGluR1, Homer 1b/c and, not always, RYR1.

Simulation of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum with three-dimensional sarcomere model in cardiac muscle

A simulation of some basic features of Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in cardiac muscle was made with a model based on the mechanism of Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+)-release. The half-sarcomere modeled as a circular cylinder was divided into 20 annular elements in the radial, 50 slices in the axial, and 125 slices in the azimuthal direction. The cylindrical surface of the sarcomere was covered by a layer of the SR. The rate of Ca(2+) release from the terminal sac (TS) is proportional to the product of the open probability of the Ca(2+) release channel and the difference of [Ca(2+)] between the TS and an element facing the TS. Ca(2+) moves from element to element by simple diffusion and is taken up by the tubular SR via Ca(2+)-ATPase. Ca(2+) influx (I(ca)) to trigger the TS Ca(2+) release was introduced to either a single element facing the TS (local I(ca)) or to 20 elements aligned at the level of the Z-line (uniform I(ca)). The simulation showed that with both types of I(ca), TS Ca(2+) release is smoothly graded over a wide range of I(ca) with the TS moderately loaded with Ca(2+). The gain determined by dividing the total amount of TS Ca(2+) release by I(ca) was greater with local than with uniform I(ca). Mechanical alternans was simulated with both the local and uniform I(ca) with an appropriate rate of Ca(2+) replenishment to the TS. A Ca(2+) wave was simulated with a model consisting of 8 longitudinally consecutive sarcomeres with TS heavily loaded with Ca(2+). Thus the present model accounted for graded TS Ca(2+) release, mechanical alternans, and Ca(2+) wave in cardiac muscle at the same time.

Physiological properties and functions of Ca(2+) sparks in rat intrapulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Ca(+) spark has been implicated as a pivotal feedback mechanism for regulating membrane potential and vasomotor tone in systemic arterial smooth muscle cells (SASMCs), but little is known about its properties in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Using confocal microscopy, we identified spontaneous Ca(2+) sparks in rat intralobar PASMCs and characterized their spatiotemporal properties and physiological functions. Ca(2+) sparks of PASMCs had a lower frequency and smaller amplitude than cardiac sparks. They were abolished by inhibition of ryanodine receptors but not by inhibition of inositol trisphosphate receptors and L-type Ca(2+) channels. Enhanced Ca(2+) influx by BAY K8644, K(+), or high Ca(2+) caused a significant increase in spark frequency. Functionally, enhancing Ca(2+) sparks with caffeine (0.5 mM) caused membrane depolarization in PASMCs, in contrast to hyperpolarization in SASMCs. Norepinephrine and endothelin-1 both caused global elevations in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]), but only endothelin-1 increased spark frequency. These results suggest that Ca(2+) sparks of PASMCs are similar to those of SASMCs, originate from ryanodine receptors, and are enhanced by Ca(2+) influx. However, they play a different modulatory role on membrane potential and are under agonist-specific regulation independent of global [Ca(2+)].

Analysis of Ca2+ uptake into the smooth endoplasmic reticulum of permeabilised sternal epithelial cells during the moulting cycle of the terrestrial isopodPorcellio scaber

In terrestrial isopods, large amounts of Ca2+ are transported across anterior sternal epithelial cells during moult-related deposition and resorption of CaCO3 deposits. Because of its toxicity and function as a second messenger, resting cytosolic Ca2+ levels must be maintained below critical concentrations during epithelial Ca2+transport, raising the possibility that organelles play a role during Ca2+ transit. We therefore studied the uptake of Ca2+into Ca2+-sequestering organelles by monitoring the formation of birefringent calcium oxalate crystals in permeabilised anterior and posterior sternal epithelium cells of Porcellio scaber during Ca2+-transporting and non-transporting stages of the moulting cycle using polarised-light microscopy. The results indicate ATP-dependent uptake of Ca2+ into organelles. Half-maximal crystal growth at a Ca2+ activity, aCa, of 0.4 μmol l-1 and blockade by cyclopiazonic acid suggest Ca2+uptake into the smooth endoplasmic reticulum by the smooth endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. Analytical electron microscopical techniques support this interpretation by revealing the accumulation of Ca2+-containing crystals in smooth membranous intracellular compartments. A comparison of different moulting stages demonstrated a virtual lack of crystal formation in the early premoult stage and a significant fivefold increase between mid premoult and the Ca2+-transporting stages of late premoult and intramoult. These results suggest a contribution of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum as a transient Ca2+ store during intracellular Ca2+ transit.

X-ray microprobe analysis of epithelial calcium transport

The sternal epithelium of Porcellio scaber was used as a novel model to study the subcellular elemental distribution in control and Ca(2+)-transporting stages in situ. The anterior sternal epithelium (ASE) is specialized for transport of cuticular Ca to sternal CaCO(3) deposits during premolt, and from these deposits during intramolt. The less specialized posterior sternal epithelium transports Ca(2+) to and from the cuticle. In the ASE cells basal [Na], [Cl], and [Mg] are higher than in the apical side. The basal [Na] increases from 105 to 173 mmol/kg dry mass between control and Ca(2+)-transporting stages, accompanied by a decrease in [Cl] and [K]. The [Mg] increases, suggesting transepithelial Mg(2+)-transport. Cytosolic [Ca] varied insignificantly between 4.5 and 5.7 mmol/kg dry mass, however, the number of Ca hot-spots with concentrations between 15 and 50 mmol/kg dry mass increased during transport. Mitochondrial [Ca] decreased in the ASE from 3.3 in the control to 1.0 in the late premolt and to 2.0 mmol/kg dry mass in the intramolt stage. The results suggest Na(+)-dependent mechanisms for transcellular Ca(2+)-transport and the presence of Ca(2+)-binding proteins. Organelles, probably the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, sequester Ca(2+) during intracellular Ca(2+)-transport. A role of mitochondria as a storage site for cuticular Ca is excluded.

Afterdepolarizations promote the transition from ventricular tachycardia to fibrillation in a three-dimensional model of cardiac tissue

Recent experimental results regarding the action potential duration restitution curve have explained the transition from ventricular tachycardia (VT) to fibrillation (VF) in terms of spiral wave (SW) meandering and breakup. However, it remains unclear whether VF always has a steep restitution curve. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that afterdepolarizations occur at excitable gaps during VF and affect the SW dynamics, even if the restitution curve is gentle. Homogeneous and isotropic 3-dimensional tissue was simulated with a LRd model. Because of the gentle restitution curve, it was not expected that SW instabilities would occur in this condition. In the tissue, a stationary SW reentry was initially observed; however, afterdepolarizations erupted from the excitable gap near the SW tip, and the SW then meandered widely. Following that, afterdepolarizations erupted far from the SW tip, resulting in SW breakup. In this manner, the wave dynamics degenerated into a chaotic state within a few seconds. Furthermore, not only triggered activity but also subthreshold afterdepolarizations were found to cause SW instabilities. These results suggest that afterdepolarizations may play an important role in the transition to VF and that the mechanism is independent of restitution properties.

Calcium currents and arrhythmias: insights from molecular biology

Calcium channels are critical to normal cardiac function. They are involved in the generation and conduction of the action potential and in contraction. Three surface membrane channels have been identified. The L-type Ca channel is most abundant and is responsible for Ca entry into the cell that triggers contraction. T-type Ca channels are most prevalent in the conduction system and are probably involved in automaticity. A newly described TTX-sensitive calcium current may be important in "boosting" or enhancing conduction and contraction. The main intracellular Ca channel resides in the sarcoplasmic reticulum and is responsible for the release of the Ca that activates contraction. Oscillatory behavior of this channel influences the sarcolemmal membrane, causing delayed aftercontractions and arrhythmias such as those seen in digoxin toxicity. The on-going molecular characterization of these channels will enhance our knowledge of their normal function and dysfunction in disease states, leading to the development of new therapeutic agents to treat arrhythmias and contractile dysfunction.

Structural alterations in cardiac calcium release units resulting from overexpression of junctin

Junctin is a 26 kDa membrane protein that binds to calsequestrin, triadin, and ryanodine receptors (RyRs) within the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum of calcium release units. The sequence of junctin includes a short N-terminal cytoplasmic domain a single transmembrane domain, and a highly charged C-terminal domain located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum lumen. Dog and mouse junctins are highly conserved at the transmembrane domains, but the luminal domains are more divergent. To probe the contribution of junctin to the architecture of calcium release units in heart, we engineered transgenic mice overexpressing canine junctin and examined the left ventricular myocardium by electron microscopy. Overall architecture of calcium release units is similar in control myocardium and in myocardium overexpressing junctin by 5-10-fold. In both myocardia, junctional SR cisternae are closely associated with exterior membranes (plasmalemma and transverse tubules). The cisternae are flat; they contain a string of calsequestrin beads and are lined by a row of feet, or RyRs, on the side facing the exterior membranes. T tubule surface density, measured as the perimeter of T tubule profiles v area of section, is the same in transgenic and control myocardia (305 v 289 nm/nm(2)). Three changes affecting the junctional SR architecture are apparent in the myocardium overexpressing junctin. One is a more tightly zippered appearance of the junctional SR cisternae. The width of the junctional SR is narrower and less variable in overexpressing than in control myocardium and the calsequestrin content is more compact. A second change is the extension of zippered junctional SR domains to non-junctional regions, which we term "frustrated" junctional SR. A third change is an increase in the extent of association between SR and T tubules. In junctin overexpressing myocardium junctional SR cisternae cover approximately 45% of the surface of all T tubule profiles, while in control myocardium the coverage approximately 30%. Junctional associations between SR and T tubules are increased in size. We conclude that the increase in junctin expression affects the packing of calsequestrin in the junctional SR and facilitates the association of SR and T tubules.

Inositol polyphosphates regulate Ca2+ efflux in a cardiac membrane subtype distinct from junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum

The membrane location and mechanism of inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate (InsP4)-regulated Ca2+ uptake in cardiac membrane vesicles was investigated. In canine and rat membranes separated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, InsP4-regulated Ca2+ uptake was slightly more enriched in low density than in higher density membranes. Membranes supporting InsP4-regulated Ca2+ uptake were correspondingly enriched in type 1 InsP3 receptors. Junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (J-SR), enriched in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) and ryanodine receptors, separated predominantly with higher density membranes. In membranes supporting InsP4-regulated Ca2+ uptake, Ca2+ uptake was facilitated by a high Ca2+ affinity carrier that was insensitive to thapsigargin. Ca2+ uptake in J-SR was mediated by thapsigargin-sensitive SERCA2a. Net Ca accumulation was enhanced by oxalate in both SR subtypes. Although Ca2+-carrier-mediated Ca2+ uptake was ATP independent, ATP indirectly regulated net Ca2+ accumulation by modifying Ca2+ efflux via a Ca2+ channel with properties of type 1 InsP3 receptors. In the presence of < or = 0.1 mM ATP, InsP4 enhanced Ca2+ accumulation whereas InsP4 inhibited Ca2+ uptake at higher ATP concentrations. In the presence of 0.15 mM ATP, InsP4 stimulated Ca2+ efflux from vesicles preloaded with Ca. Several other InsP4 isomers and 1,3,4-InsP3 also stimulated Ca2+ efflux but with slightly less potency than 1,3,4,5-InsP4. Ruthenium red enhanced net Ca accumulation by the Ca2+ carrier and reduced the potency of ATP, InsP4, and InsP3 to stimulate Ca2+ efflux in vesicles. In summary, this investigation shows that a Ca2+ carrier facilitates Ca loading in a sarcoplasmic reticulum subtype distinct from J-SR. InsP4 and InsP3 are proposed to regulate Ca2+ efflux in low density SR by acting on an ATP-modulated Ca2+ channel with properties of type 1 InsP3 receptors.

Wave propagation in cardiac tissue and effects of intracellular calcium dynamics (computer simulation study)

Computer simulation using Luo-Rudy I1 model of ventricular myocyte showed that intracellular calcium dynamics become irregular in case of high rate stimulation. This causes the transition from stationary to nonstationary spiral wave and its breakup in 2D model of cardiac tissue. Obtained results suggest how ventricular fibrillation may occur due to the abnormalities of intracellular calcium dynamics. The short review of existing cardiac cell models with calcium dynamics is presented.

Postnatal changes in contractile time parameters, calcium regulatory proteins, and phosphatases

Compared with isolated electrically driven neonatal ventricular preparations, the total time of contraction, the time to peak tension, and the time of relaxation were decreased to approximately 50% in adult ventricular preparations. The expression of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) was increased to 133% at the protein level and to 154% at the mRNA level in adult vs. neonatal ventricular preparations, whereas phospholamban was unchanged at both the protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, Ca2+ uptake was increased to 180% in adult vs. neonatal ventricular preparations. Phospholamban phosphorylation was enhanced in adult vs. neonatal ventricular preparations. In adult ventricular preparations, phosphatase activity was reduced to 53% of neonatal preparations, the protein levels of the immunologically detectable catalytic subunits of protein phosphatase types 1 and 2A were reduced to 28 and 61% of neonatal preparations, respectively, and the mRNA levels of type 1alpha, 1beta, 1gamma, 2Aalpha, and 2Abeta phosphatase isoforms were decreased to 69, 68, 54, 67, and 63%, respectively. We conclude that in the adult rat heart, the shortened time parameters of contraction can be explained by an elevated expression of SERCA. In addition, an increased phosphorylation state of phospholamban due to reduced phosphatase activity may be involved.

Mitochondrial calcium in relaxed and tetanized myocardium

The elemental composition of rat cardiac muscle was determined with electron probe x-ray microanalysis (EPMA) of rapidly frozen papillary muscles and trabeculae incubated with ryanodine (1 microM) in either 1.2 or 10 mM [Ca2+]o-containing solutions, paced at 0.6 Hz or tetanized at 10 Hz. Total mitochondrial calcium increased significantly, by 4.2 mmol/kg dry weight during a 7 s tetanus, only in muscles tetanized in the presence of 10 mM [Ca2+]o when cytoplasmic Ca2+ is 1-4 microM (Backx, P. H., W.-D. Gao, M. D. Azan-Backx, and E. Marban. 1995. The relationship between contractile force and intracellular [Ca2+] in intact rat trabeculae. J. Gen. Physiol. 105:1-19). Comparison of total mitochondrial with free mitochondrial Ca2+ reported in the literature indicates that the total/free ratio is approximately 6000 at physiological or near-physiological levels of total mitochondrial calcium. Increases in free mitochondrial [Ca2+] consistent with regulation of mitochondrial enzymes should be associated with increases in total mitochondrial calcium detectable with EPMA. However, such increases in mitochondrial calcium occur only as the result of prolonged, unphysiological elevations of cytosolic [Ca2+].

Decreased inotropic response to beta-adrenergic stimulation and normal sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium stores in the spontaneously hypertensive rat heart

Cardiac hypertrophy in the spontaneously hypertensive rat has been shown to be accompanied by a diminished inotropic response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. This diminished response has been attributed to abnormalities in various components of the beta-adrenergic signaling system. There is also evidence that regulation of intracellular Ca2+ cycling may be altered in the hypertrophied heart of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. We proposed that the diminished response to beta-adrenergic stimulation may reflect abnormalities in Ca2+ cycling, specifically alterations in the ability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to effectively release and resequester Ca2+. We have used the unique combination of functional measurements on isolated, isometrically contracting papillary muscles from hearts of 26-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats and their Wistar-Kyoto controls, together with electron probe microanalysis measurements of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ content in the same muscles after rapid freezing, to determine the availability of Ca2+ for activation of contraction, following beta-adrenergic stimulation. We observed a significant decrease in the inotropic response to beta-adrenergic stimulation in papillary muscles from the spontaneously hypertensive rats, as compared with Wistar-Kyoto controls, however in these same muscles, frozen during relaxation, there was no evidence of an accompanying decrease in the size of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store. In an additional group of muscles which were frozen during contraction, the amount of Ca2+ remaining in the sarcoplasmic reticulum after stimulated release was also not different in the two strains. These results indicate that the decreased inotropic response to beta-adrenergic stimulation in hypertrophied hearts of the spontaneously hypertensive rat is unlikely to be due to decreased availability of Ca2+ for activation of contraction. Additionally, to determine whether there is intracellular Ca2+ overload in the cardiac muscle cells of hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats, we measured the amount of Ca2+ in mitochondrial and at the level of the myofilaments by electron probe microanalysis. These results indicate that intracellular Ca2+ overload does not accompany cardiac hypertrophy in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. This study therefore shows no correlation between altered intracellular Ca2+ cycling and the decreased inotropic response to isoproterenol in the spontaneously hypertensive rat at 26 weeks of age.

Molecular architecture of membranes involved in excitation-contraction coupling of cardiac muscle

Peripheral couplings are junctions between the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the surface membrane (SM). Feet occupy the SR/SM junctional gap and are identified as the SR calcium release channels, or ryanodine receptors (RyRs). In cardiac muscle, the activation of RyRs during excitation-contraction (e-c) coupling is initiated by surface membrane depolarization, followed by the opening of surface membrane calcium channels, the dihydropyridine receptors (DHPRs). We have studied the disposition of DHPRs and RyRs, and the structure of peripheral couplings in chick myocardium, a muscle that has no transverse tubules. Immunolabeling shows colocalization of RyRs and DHPRs in clusters at the fiber's periphery. The positions of DHPR and RyR clusters change coincidentally during development. Freeze-fracture of the surface membrane reveals the presence of domains (junctional domains) occupied by clusters of large particles. Junctional domains in the surface membrane and arrays of feet in the junctional gap have similar sizes and corresponding positions during development, suggesting that both are components of peripheral couplings. As opposed to skeletal muscle, membrane particles in junctional domains of cardiac muscle do not form tetrads. Thus, despite their proximity to the feet, they do not appear to be specifically associated with them. Two observations establish the identify of the structurally identified feet arrays/junctional domain complexes with the immunocytochemically defined RyRs/DHPRs coclusters: the concomitant changes during development and the identification of feet as the cytoplasmic domains of RyRs. We suggest that the large particles in junctional domains of the surface membrane represent DHPRs. These observations have two important functional consequences. First, the apposition of DHPRs and RyRs indicates that most of the inward calcium current flows into the restricted space where feet are located. Secondly, contrary to skeletal muscle, presumptive DHPRs do not show a specific association with the feet, which is consistent with a less direct role of charge movement in cardiac than in skeletal e-c coupling.

Two components of [Ca2+]i-activated Cl- current during large [Ca2+]i transients in single rabbit heart Purkinje cells

1. Single Purkinje cells, enzymatically isolated from rabbit ventricle, were studied under whole-cell voltage clamp conditions and internally perfused with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2(100 microM). 2. Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum was either induced by external application of caffeine or occurred spontaneously in Ca2+i-overloaded cells. Membrane currents accompanying these Ca(2+)-release signals were studied at steady membrane potentials. 3. [Ca2+]i transients were accompanied by transient membrane currents. In the absence of Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange, two current components could be observed. The first component peaked well before the [Ca2+]i transient (Ifast) and relaxed before peak [Ca2+]i. The second component, on the other hand, peaked at the time when [Ca2+]i was maximal (Islow). 4. In symmetrical Cl- solutions both current components had a reversal potential close to O mV. A reduction of external or internal [Cl-] shifted this reversal potential in accordance with the change of the Cl- equilibrium potential. 5. Each [Ca2+]i transient was accompanied by Ifast. Properties of Ifast suggest that this current component is the [Ca2+]i-dependent Cl- current, ICl(Ca), previously observed during depolarizing pulses. 6. Islow was only detected in cells that displayed a large [Ca2+]i transient with or without elevated resting [Ca2+]i. 7. It is concluded that during large [Ca2+]i transients a slow component of ICl(Ca) can be activated. This second component may arise from the same channel population as the previously described fast component and be related to the presence of spatial and temporal inhomogeneities of [Ca2+]i. Alternatively, this current component may arise from a different Cl- channel population with a different Ca2+ sensitivity.

Immunogold localization of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors and characterization of ultrastructural features of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in phasic and tonic smooth muscle

Although agonist stimulation leads to an increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and decreased calcium in peripherally and centrally located sarcoplasmic reticulum in smooth muscle, the distribution of InsP3 receptors is unknown. InsP3 receptor and the calcium binding protein, calsequestrin were localized by immunolabelling in a tonic and a phasic smooth muscle. InsP3 receptor labelling was predominantly localized at the cell periphery, where most of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is localized in vas deferens (phasic muscle). Elements of central sarcoplasmic reticulum, where present, were also labelled. Distribution of calsequestrin in vas deferens was similar to that of the InsP3 receptor. In aorta (tonic muscle) the InsP3 receptor labelling was proportional to sarcoplasmic reticulum distribution: predominantly central. No labelling of sections or immunoblots was observed with the anti-calsequestrin antibody in aorta. InsP3 and caffeine, but not cyclic ADP-ribose, released intracellular Ca2+ in permeabilized vas deferens and aorta. The ultrastructure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, investigated in stereo views of semi-thick and thin sections of osmium ferricyanide stained tissue, is shown to have several distinctive features, such as fenestrated sheets (single or in stacks), as well as numerous regions of continuity between central and peripheral sarcoplasmic reticulum, suggesting a single compartment within the smooth muscle cell. Regions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum were closely apposed to and often ensheathed mitochondria. We conclude that InsP3 receptors are present in both the central and the peripheral sarcoplasmic reticulum of tonic and phasic smooth muscle, consistent with electron probe analysis results showing calcium release from both regions.

Spatial non-uniformities in [Ca2+]i during excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes

The intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) transient in adult rat heart cells was examined using the fluorescent calcium indicator fluo-3 and a laser scanning confocal microscope. We find that the electrically evoked [Ca2+]i transient does not rise at a uniform rate at all points within the cell during the [Ca2+]i transient. These spatial non-uniformities in [Ca2+]i are observed immediately upon depolarization and largely disappear by the time the peak of the [Ca2+]i transient occurs. Importantly, some of the spatial non-uniformity in [Ca2+]i varies randomly in location from beat to beat. Analysis of the spatial character of the non-uniformities suggests that they arise from the stochastic nature of the activation of SR calcium-release channels. The non-uniformities in [Ca2+]i are markedly enhanced by low concentrations of Cd2+, suggesting that activation of L-type calcium channels is the primary source of activator calcium for the calcium transient. In addition, the pattern of calcium release in these conditions was very similar to the spontaneous calcium sparks that are observed under resting conditions and which are due to spontaneous calcium release from the SR. The spatial non-uniformity in the evoked [Ca2+]i transient under normal conditions can be explained by the temporal and spatial summation of a large number of calcium sparks whose activation is a stochastic process. The results are discussed with respect to a stochastic local control model for excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, and it is proposed that the fundamental unit of E-C coupling consists of one dihydropyridine receptor activating a small group of ryanodine receptors (possibly four) in a square packing model.

Intracellular calcium transients from newborn rat cardiomyocytes in primary culture

Resting and transient levels of intracellular free calcium concentrations were recorded in indo-1 loaded neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes in primary culture by means of an interactive laser cytometer. The calcium transients were induced by high potassium and caffeine applications. The resting level of intracellular calcium remained constant (about 140 nM) throughout the culture (up to 7 days). The calcium transients induced by 100 mM K+ changed during culture from a low, cobalt sensitive response at 2 days, to a strong biphasic response at 7 days. At 2 days the response was fully blocked by cobalt. At 7 days the transient phase was abolished by cobalt and ryanodine, whereas the second sustained phase was only partially blocked. The calcium transient induced by caffeine was present as early as the first days, and increased with the age of the culture. This transient was blocked by ryanodine. The calcium influx through sarcolemmal calcium channels could be responsible for intracellular calcium transients in 2 day-old cells, whereas in 7 day-old cells, they seem to be only the trigger for sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release via a mechanism such as 'calcium-induced calcium-release'. Other mechanisms, such as the sodium-calcium exchange mechanism activated by sarcolemmal depolarisation, seem to be implicated too and therefore could explain the sustained level of intracellular calcium during 100 mM K+ stimulation. The developmental changes through differentiation and maturation of myocytes in culture could account for the age dependent evolution of the responses obtained. From these results it is possible to conclude that calcium movements implicated in the excitation-contraction coupling mechanism in the development of rat neonatal cardiomyocytes are similar in primary culture and in the postnatal period in vivo.

Organization of calsequestrin-positive sarcoplasmic reticulum in rat cardiomyocytes in culture

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) regulates the levels of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ions in muscle cells. Calsequestrin is a major Ca(2+)-storing protein and is localized at special sites in the SR. To investigate the development of calsequestrin-positive SR and its interaction with the cytoskeleton, we examined the distribution of calsequestrin in cultured cardiomyocytes from newborn rats by immunofluorescence with anticalsequestrin and antitubulin antibodies and rhodamine-phalloidin. In frozen sections of neonatal rat heart, anticalsequestrin immunostaining was apparent as cross-striations at Z-lines. When newborn cardiomyocytes were isolated, calsequestrin-positive SR was disorganized and was apparent as small vesicles beneath the sarcolemma, whereas myofibrils accumulated in the center of the cells. As the cells spread in culture, calsequestrin-positive vesicles spread to the periphery of the cytoplasm, becoming associated with the developing myofibrils. In mature cells, calsequestrin was closely associated with myofibrils, showing cross-striations at the Z-lines. Double-labeling using anticalsequestrin and antitubulin antibodies demonstrated that the distribution of calsequestrin-positive structures was similar to that of the microtubular arrays. When the microtubules were depolymerized by nocodazole at an early stage, the extension of the SR to the cell periphery was inhibited. In mature cardiomyocytes, nocodazole appeared not to affect the distribution of the SR. These results indicate that the calsequestrin-positive SR in cardiomyocytes is organized at the proper sites of myofibrils during myofibrillogenesis and that the microtubules might serve as tracts for the transport of components of the SR.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor in heart: evidence for its concentration in Purkinje myocytes of the conduction system

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) is one of the second messengers capable of releasing Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum/ER subcompartments. The mRNA encoding the intracellular IP3 receptor (Ca2+ channel) has been detected in low amounts in the heart of various species by Northern blot analysis. The myocardium, however, is a heterogeneous tissue composed of working myocytes and conduction system cells, i.e., myocytes specialized for the beat generation and stimulus propagation. In the present study, the cellular distribution of the heart IP3 receptor has been investigated. [3H]IP3 binding experiments, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence, with anti-peptide antibodies specific for the IP3 receptor, indicated that the majority of Purkinje myocytes (the ventricular conduction system) express much higher IP3 receptor levels than atrial and ventricular myocardium. Heterogeneous distribution of IP3 receptor immunoreactivity was detected both at the cellular and subcellular levels. In situ hybridization to a riboprobe generated from the brain type 1 IP3 receptor cDNA, showed increased accumulation of IP3 receptor mRNA in the heart conduction system. Evidence for IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores in Purkinje myocytes was obtained by double immunolabeling experiments for IP3 receptor and cardiac calsequestrin, the sarcoplasmic reticulum intralumenal calcium binding protein. The present findings provide a molecular basis for the hypothesis that Ca2+ release from IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores evoked by alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation is responsible for the increase in automaticity of Purkinje myocytes (del Balzo, U., M. R. Rosen, G. Malfatto, L. M. Kaplan, and S. F. Steinberg. 1990. Circ. Res. 67:1535-1551), and open new perspectives in the hormonal modulation of chronotropism, and generation of arrhythmias.

The Ca2+-release channel/ryanodine receptor is localized in junctional and corbular sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac muscle

The subcellular distribution of the Ca(2+)-release channel/ryanodine receptor in adult rat papillary myofibers has been determined by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopical studies using affinity purified antibodies against the ryanodine receptor. The receptor is confined to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) where it is localized to interior and peripheral junctional SR and the corbular SR, but it is absent from the network SR where the SR-Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban are densely distributed. Immunofluorescence labeling of sheep Purkinje fibers show that the ryanodine receptor is confined to discrete foci while the SR-Ca(2+)-ATPase is distributed in a continuous network-like structure present at the periphery as well as throughout interior regions of these myofibers. Because Purkinje fibers lack T-tubules, these results indicate that the ryanodine receptor is localized not only to the peripheral junctional SR but also to corbular SR densely distributed in interfibrillar spaces of the I-band regions. We have previously identified both corbular SR and junctional SR in cardiac muscle as potential Ca(2+)-storage/Ca(2+)-release sites by demonstrating that the Ca2+ binding protein calsequestrin and calcium are very densely distributed in these two specialized domains of cardiac SR in situ. The results presented here provide strong evidence in support of the hypothesis that corbular SR is indeed a site of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release via the ryanodine receptor during excitation contraction coupling in cardiac muscle. Furthermore, these results indicate that the function of the cardiac Ca(2+)-release channel/ryanodine receptor is not confined to junctional complexes between SR and the sarcolemma.

Transport and release of calcium by sarcoplasmic reticulum in chemically skinned ventricular muscle of the rat

Strips of rat ventricle were treated with EGTA (5 mM) for 24 h at 4 degrees C and used to perform isotopical measurements of transport and release of Ca2+ in the SR in situ. 45Ca accumulated by these preparations showed dependence on time of incubation until it reached saturation after 30 min. Rate and capacity of Ca2+ accumulation were calculated in 0.075 nmol mg ww-1 min-1 and 0.402 nmol mg ww-1, respectively. These values were increased by a factor of 2.6 and 8.6 when K oxalate was present in the incubation media as could be expected for Ca2+ transported by SR. Ca2+ release was assayed on 45Ca desaturation curves at three free Ca2+ concentrations: 0.3, 1 and 10 microM. Significant increases in the velocity of Ca2+ efflux and net release of Ca2+ were induced only by 1 microM free Ca2+, and the Ca2+ release could be inhibited by 75% when 50 microM of ruthenium red was included in the washout solution. These results are in agreement with those obtained in assessing the SR function by mechanical measurements in skinned cardiac cells or by biochemical determinations in isolated cardiac SR vesicles. In spite of the fact that the resolution time is not as high as that required for the physiological handling of Ca2+ by SR, this methodology looks promising for approaching the SR function in cardiac pathologies as well as the effects of drugs on transport and release of Ca2+ by cardiac SR.

Theory of excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac muscle

The consequences of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling by calcium-induced calcium release were studied theoretically, using a series of idealized models solved by analytic and numerical methods. "Common-pool" models, those in which the trigger calcium and released calcium pass through a common cytosolic pool, gave nearly all-or-none regenerative calcium releases (in disagreement with experiment), unless their loop gain was made sufficiently low that it provided little amplification of the calcium entering through the sarcolemma. In the linear (small trigger) limit, it was proven rigorously that no common-pool model can give graded high amplification unless it is operated on the verge of spontaneous oscillation. To circumvent this problem, we considered two types of "local-control" models. In the first type, the local calcium from a sarcolemmal L-type calcium channel directly stimulates a single, immediately opposed SR calcium release channel. This permits high amplification without regeneration, but requires high conductance of the SR channel. This problem is avoided in the second type of local control model, in which one L-type channel triggers a regenerative cluster of several SR channels. Statistical recruitment of clusters results in graded response with high amplification. In either type of local-control model, the voltage dependence of SR calcium release is not exactly the same as that of the macroscopic sarcolemmal calcium current, even though calcium is the only trigger for SR release. This results from the existence of correlations between the stochastic openings of individual sarcolemmal and SR channels. Propagation of regenerative calcium-release waves (under conditions of calcium overload) was analyzed using analytically soluble models in which SR calcium release was treated phenomenalogically. The range of wave velocities observed experimentally is easily explained; however, the observed degree of refractoriness to wave propagation requires either a strong dependence of SR calcium release on the rate of rise of cytosolic calcium or localization of SR release sites to one point in the sarcomere. We conclude that the macroscopic behavior of calcium-induced calcium release depends critically on the spatial relationships among sarcolemmal and SR calcium channels, as well as on their kinetics.

Spontaneous and propagated calcium release in isolated cardiac myocytes viewed by confocal microscopy

Laser scanning confocal microscopy of the Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorophore fluo-3 has been used to investigate spontaneous and propagated calcium release at high temporal and spatial resolution in enzymatically dispersed rat cardiomyocytes. Waves of fluorescence which propagated throughout the cytosol were evident in spontaneously contracting cardiac cells containing fluo-3, but not in cells containing Ca(2+)-insensitive fluorophores [2',7'-bis (carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein, SNARF-1, rhodamine-123, or tetramethylrhodamine-labeled dextran]. These waves represent localized areas of elevated [Ca2+] [975 +/- 13 (SE) nM, range 800-1,500 nM; n = 16 cells]. Ca2+ waves were initiated by the spontaneous release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and propagated through cells at rates of 50-150 microns/s. Ca2+ waves were usually initiated at the cell ends, but multiple and variable initiation foci were observed in some cells. Where waves intersected within a single cell there was extinction of wave propagation, confirming the SR as the direct source of Ca2+ and revealing a refractory period in SR Ca2+ release. In some cells high-frequency Ca2+ waves lead to synchronized elevation of [Ca2+] throughout the entire cytosol and within the time period associated with cell depolarization. These observations support the hypothesis that some cardiac arrhythmias are initiated by spontaneous and propagated Ca2+ release and involve subsequent depolarization, global elevation of intracellular [Ca2+], and cell contraction.

Potentiation of contraction as related to changes in free and total intracellular calcium

In voltage-clamped guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, we studied the potentiation of contraction in dependence on the concentration of intracellular calcium; ionized calcium [Ca2+]c was measured by Indo-1 microfluospectroscopy and total calcium (sigma Ca) by electronprobe microanalysis (EPMA). After a 15 min rest period, [Ca2+]c was approx. 90 nM and sigma Ca was below the detection limit (80 microM) in myoplasm (sigma Ca(myo)), junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (sigma CaSR) and mitochondria (sigma Ca(Mito)). Post rest, repetitive clamp steps (1 Hz) potentiated extent and rate of shortening by 300%. In the literature, post-rest potentiation is attributed to the replenishment of SR with releasable calcium; by EPMA the postulated increase in sigma CaSR was measured directly. Post-rest, the peaks of systolic [Ca2+]c transients increased, however only by 40%. In addition, a moderate increase of end-diastolic [Ca2+]c was measured. In an other series of experiments, contraction was potentiated by 800% increase by means of paired voltage-clamp pulses (1 Hz, 36 degrees C, 2 mM [Ca2+]o). In the potentiated state, end-diastolic [Ca2+]c was 180 nM and sigma Ca(myo) was 0.65 mM. During systole, [Ca2+]c peaked within 20 ms to 950 nM. sigma Ca(myo) rose within 20 ms to 1.4 mM and fell within 40 ms to 1.1 and within 90 ms to 0.8 mM. In contrast, the time course of contraction was slow and peaked at a time (130 ms) when the [Ca2+]c and sigma Ca(myo) transients were finished. We suggest that Ca2+ bound to troponin C (TnC) controls only the onset but not the time course of myofilament interaction. From [Ca2+]c and sigma Ca(myo) we estimated a Ca2+ buffering capacitance of 1.5 mmol sigma Ca(myo) per pCa change, only a fraction of which can be attributed to Ca2+ binding sites on TnC. A model explaining the results requires the assumption of 0.6 mM additional slow, high affinity Ca2+ sites and 2 mM fast, low affinity Ca2+ sites. We discuss that end-diastolic Ca2+ binding to these sites contributes to the potentiation of contraction. Junctional SR. At the end of diastole sigma CaSR was 2.4 mM which is 4 times larger than sigma Ca(myo). This difference disappeared 20 ms after depolarization (sigma CaSR 1.1 mM), within another 20 ms it largely recovered (sigma CaSR 2.0 mM). These properties suggest that the junctional SR is a compartment suitable not only for Ca2+ release but also for rapid Ca2+ reuptake. Mitochondria. Paired-pulse potentiation increased end-diastolic sigma Ca(Mito) significantly (0.4 mM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Total and free myoplasmic calcium during a contraction cycle: x-ray microanalysis in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes

1. At 36 degrees C and 2 mM [Ca2+]o single guinea-pig ventricular myocytes were voltage clamped with patch electrodes. With a paired-pulse protocol applied at 1 Hz, a first pulse to +5 mV was followed by a second pulse to +50 mV. When paired pulsing had potentiated the contraction to the maximum, the cells were shock-frozen for electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA). Shock-freezing was timed at the end of diastole (-80 mV) or at different times during systole (+5 mV). 2. The same paired-pulse protocol was applied to another group of myocytes from which contraction and [Ca2+]i was estimated by microfluospectroscopy (50 microM-Na5-Indo-1). Potentiation moderately reduced diastolic sarcomere length from 1.85 to 1.82 microns and increased diastolic [Ca2+]i from about 95 to 180 nM. In potentiated cells, during the first pulse, contraction peaked within 128 +/- 25 ms after start of depolarization. [Ca2+]i peaked within 25 ms to 890 +/- 220 nM (mean +/- S.E.M.) and fell within 100 ms to about 450 nM. 3. Sigma Camyo, the total calcium concentration in the overlapping myofilaments (A-band), was measured by EPMA in seventeen potentiated myocytes. During diastole, sigma Camyo was 2.6 +/- 0.4 mmol (kg dry weight (DW]-1 which can be converted to 0.65 mM (mmoles per litre myofibrillar space). Since [Ca2+]i was 180 nM, we estimate that 99.97% of total calcium is bound. 4. A time course for systolic sigma Camyo was determined by shock-freezing thirteen cells at different times after start of depolarization to +5 mV. Sigma Camyo was 5.5 +/- 0.3 mmol (kg DW)-1 (1.4 mM) after 15-25 ms, 4.6 +/- 0.5 mmol (kg DW)-1 (1.1 mM) after 30-45 ms, and 3.1 mmol (kg DW)-1 (0.8 mM) after 60-120 ms. The fast time course of sigma Camyo suggests that calcium binds to and unbinds from troponin C at a fast rate. Hence, it is the slow kinetics of the cross-bridges that determines the 130 ms time-to-peak shortening. 5. Mitochondria of potentiated cells contained during diastole a total calcium concentration, sigma Camito, of 1.3 +/- 0.2 mmol (kg DW)-1 (0.4 mM). During the initial 15-25 ms of systole, sigma Camito did not change, however, during 30-45 ms sigma Camito rose to 3.7 +/- 0.5 mmol (kg DW)-1 (1.2 mM). The data suggest that sigma Camito can follow sigma Camyo with some delay, thereby participating in both slow diastolic and fast systolic changes in total calcium (sigma Ca), at least under the given conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

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).

Role of Ca2+ channel in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling in the rat: evidence from Ca2+ transients and contraction

1. Optical methods were used to measure simultaneously unloaded cell shortening and intracellular Ca2+ transients in whole-cell voltage clamped rat ventricular myocytes. Red light (greater than 670 nm) was used to measure cell shortening with a linear photodiode array. The dyes Fura-2 (Kd = 140 nM) and Mag-Fura-2 (Kd = 44 microM) were used as Ca2+ indicators with fluorescence excitation at 340 and 410 nm and emission at 510 nm. 2. Repeated measurements at 6 s intervals as 0.4 mM-Fura-2 diffused into the cell from the tip of the voltage clamp pipette showed no decrease in the rate of rise and peak value of the intracellular Ca2+ transient and only a small suppression of cell shortening, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms regulating the Ca2+ release were not significantly altered by the buffering capacity of the Fura-2. 3. Experiments in which the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was depleted of Ca2+ either by exposure to caffeine or by repeated brief (20 ms) voltage clamp depolarizations confirm that the SR is the major source of activator Ca2+. 4. Mag-Fura-2 (1 or 5 mM) was used to register the initial rapid development of the [Ca2+]i transient but the later time course of the Ca2+ transients measured with this dye was obscured by motion artifacts resulting from cell shortening. 5. Both Fura-2 and Mag-Fura-2 showed that depolarization to 0 mV from a holding potential of -80 mV resulted in a [Ca2+]i transient which developed with a delay of 3-9 ms and approached its peak value in an additional 8-19 ms. Both Ca2+ indicators also showed that the Ca2+ transient approached its peak value more slowly as the clamped membrane potential was made increasingly more positive. 6. The voltage dependencies of the Ca2+ signal (Fura-2) and cell shortening were both bell-shaped and were qualitatively similar to the voltage dependence of Ca2+ current simultaneously measured. This was observed with holding potentials of both -40 and -80 mV. 7. Comparison of the temporal relation of the Ca2+ current, ICa, and intracellular Ca2+ transient (Fura-2) and cell shortening at different membrane potentials showed that Ca2+ transient measured 25 ms into the depolarization correlated closely to the integral of the Ca2+ current measured prior to this time. Cell shortening, on the other hand, peaked about 100 ms later and correlated with measurements of the Ca2+ activity at the later time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Identification of novel proteins unique to either transverse tubules (TS28) or the sarcolemma (SL50) in rabbit skeletal muscle

Novel proteins unique to either transverse tubules (TS28) or the sarcolemma (SL50) have been identified and characterized, and their in situ distribution in rabbit skeletal muscle has been determined using monoclonal antibodies. TS28, defined by mAb IXE112, was shown to have an apparent relative molecular mass of 28,000 D. Biochemical studies showed that TS28 is a minor membrane protein in isolated transverse tubular vesicles. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopical studies showed that TS28 is localized to the transverse tubules and in some subsarcolemmal vesicles possibly corresponding to the subgroup of caveolae connecting the transverse tubules with the sarcolemma. In contrast, TS28 is absent from the lateral portion of the sarcolemma. Immunofluorescence studies also showed that TS28 is more densely distributed in type II (fast) than in type I (slow) myofibers. Although TS28 and the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor are both localized to transverse tubules and subsarcolemmal vesicles, TS28 is not a wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-binding glycoprotein and does not appear to copurify with the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor after detergent solubilization of transverse tubular membranes. SL50, defined by mAb IVD31, was shown to have an apparent relative molecular mass of 50,000 D. Biochemical studies showed that SL50 is not related to the 52,000-D (beta subunit) of the dihydropyridine receptor but does bind to WGA-Sepharose. Immunofluorescence labeling imaged by standard and confocal microscopy showed that SL50 is associated with the sarcolemma but apparently absent from the transverse tubules. Immunofluorescence labeling also showed that the density of SL50 in type II (fast) myofibers is indistinguishable from that of type I (slow) myofibers. The functions of TS28 and SL50 are presently unknown. However, the distinct distribution of TS28 to the transverse tubules and subsarcolemmal vesicles as determined by immunocytochemical labeling suggests that TS28 may be directly involved in excitation-contraction coupling. Our results demonstrate that, although transverse tubules are continuous with the sarcolemma, each of these membranes contain one or more unique proteins, thus supporting the idea that they each have a distinct protein composition.

Subcellular distribution of the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor in rabbit skeletal muscle in situ: an immunofluorescence and immunocolloidal gold-labeling study

The subcellular distribution of the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor was determined in rabbit skeletal muscle in situ by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. Longitudinal and transverse cryosections (5-8 microns) of rabbit gracilis muscle were labeled with monoclonal antibodies specific against either the alpha 1-subunit (170,000-D polypeptide) or the beta-subunit (52,000-D polypeptide) of the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor by immunofluorescence labeling. In longitudinal sections, specific labeling was present only near the interface between the A- and I-band regions of the sarcomeres. In transverse sections, specific labeling showed a hexagonal staining pattern within each myofiber however, the relative staining intensity of the type II (fast) fibers was judged to be three- to fourfold higher than that of the type I (slow) fibers. Specific immunofluorescence labeling of the sarcolemma was not observed in either longitudinal or transverse sections. These results are consistent with the idea that the alpha 1-subunit and the beta-subunit of the purified 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor are densely distributed in the transverse tubular membrane. Immunoelectron microscopical localization with a monoclonal antibody to the alpha 1-subunit of the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor showed that the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor is densely distributed in the transverse tubular membrane. Approximately half of these were distributed in close proximity to the junctional region between the transverse tubules and the terminal cisternae. Specific labeling was also present in discrete foci in the subsarcolemmal region of the myofibers. The size and the nonrandom distribution of these foci in the subsarcolemmal region support the possibility that they correspond to invaginations from the sarcolemma called caveolae. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor in skeletal muscle is localized to the transverse tubular membrane and discrete foci in the subsarcolemmal region, possibly caveolae but absent from the lateral portion of the sarcolemma.

Relationship between calcium loading and impaired energy metabolism during Na+, K+ pump inhibition and metabolic inhibition in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes

This study tested the hypothesis that the initiating mechanism is a major determinant of the response to calcium (Ca) accumulation in myocardium. Cultured neonatal rat ventriculocytes were exposed to Na+, K+ pump inhibition with 1 mM ouabain and metabolic inhibition with 20 mM 2-deoxy-D-glucose and 1 mM cyanide (DOG-CN) for up to 2 h. Microspectrofluorometry of myocytes loaded with fura-2 showed that ouabain resulted in a relatively rapid increase in [Ca2+]i up to 2-3 microM (two to threefold above peak systolic level) and that DOG-CN produced an initial decrease and then a relatively slow increase in [Ca2+]i up to peak systolic level. Electron probe x-ray microanalysis (EPMA) showed prominent increases in Na and Ca and decreases in K and Mg in cytoplasm and mitochondria with both interventions, although the increases in Ca were greater with ouabain than DOG-CN. ATP was reduced by 58% after 1 and 2 h of ouabain and by 70 and 90% after 1 and 2 h of DOG-CN, respectively. Thus, ouabain produced greater calcium accumulation and less ATP reduction than DOG-CN. Upon return to normal medium for 30 min, myocytes showed recovery of most electrolyte alterations and resumption of normal Ca2+ transients after 1 h exposure to either ouabain or DOG-CN; however, recovery was less after 2 h of either treatment, with elevated [Ca2+]i maintained in many myocytes. We conclude that the severity of myocyte injury is influenced by the magnitude and duration of both ATP reduction and calcium accumulation.