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Related Experiment Videos

Ca2+ sparks induced by Na/Ca exchange.

Michael Ritter1, Zhi Sui, Kenneth D Philipson

  • 1Division of Cardiology, University of Utah Health Science Center, 50 No. Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.

Cell Calcium
|May 28, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Calcium (Ca2+) influx through the Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) can trigger Ca2+ sparks in heart cells. However, NCX-mediated Ca2+ entry is less effective than L-type calcium channel (ICa,L) influx for spark generation.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Cellular Electrophysiology
  • Calcium Signaling

Background:

  • The role of the Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) in initiating intracellular calcium release events, specifically Ca2+ sparks, remains debated.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of Ca2+ sparks is crucial for comprehending cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether Ca2+ influx via the NCX can trigger elementary sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release events (Ca2+ sparks).
  • To compare the efficacy of NCX-mediated Ca2+ influx versus L-type calcium channel (ICa,L) influx in inducing Ca2+ sparks.

Main Methods:

  • Confocal microscopy imaging of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in isolated mouse ventricular myocytes (wild type and NCX transgenic).
  • Rapid solution switching to induce Ca2+ influx via NCX by altering extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Voltage clamp measurements to quantify Na/Ca exchange current (INCX) and L-type calcium channel current (ICa,L).

    • Main Results:

    • Sudden activation of NCX-mediated Ca2+ influx induced Ca2+ sparks in NCX transgenic myocytes.
    • The characteristics (diameter, amplitude) of NCX-induced sparks were similar to those induced by electrical stimulation.
    • Ca2+ sparks were not observed in wild-type myocytes within 600 ms of Na+ removal.
    • NCX-mediated Ca2+ influx was significantly less efficient in inducing sparks compared to ICa,L.

    Conclusions:

    • Ca2+ entering myocytes via the NCX can indeed trigger Ca2+ sparks.
    • NCX-mediated Ca2+ influx is a less potent trigger for Ca2+ sparks than influx through ICa,L.
    • These findings clarify the contribution of NCX to spark generation in cardiac myocytes.