Expression of the L-type calcium channel in human heart failure

L-type calcium channels play an important role in excitation-contraction coupling. After cardiomyocyte depolarization L-type calcium channels open and Ca2+ ions enter the cell. These small Ca2+ inward currents trigger calcium release from the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum, a process called calcium-induced calcium release. Subsequently, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration rises rapidly to levels that initiate contraction. In heart failure calcium-induced calcium release is disturbed, and in this review we focus on the L-type calcium channel and its contribution to this defective excitation-contraction coupling.