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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 20, 2026

In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion

In vivo Liver Endocytosis Followed by Purification of Liver Cells by Liver Perfusion

Published on: November 10, 2011

Ryanodine receptors in liver.

Nicola Pierobon¹, Dominique C Renard-Rooney, Lawrence D Gaspers

¹Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry

|September 16, 2006

Summary

Ryanodine receptors, primarily known for muscle contraction, are found in liver cells. This study reveals they modulate calcium signaling by increasing the frequency of calcium oscillations in rat hepatocytes.

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Area of Science:

Cellular Biology
Molecular Physiology
Hepatology

Background:

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) are primarily known as Ca2+ release channels in muscle.
Emerging evidence suggests RyRs have broader functions beyond muscle contraction.
Their role in hepatic calcium signaling remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the presence and function of ryanodine receptors in rat liver cells.
To determine if RyRs contribute to calcium signaling pathways in hepatocytes.

Main Methods:

RT-PCR analysis of isolated rat hepatocytes to detect RyR gene expression.
Radioligand binding assays using [3H]ryanodine on cellular fractions and permeabilized hepatocytes.
Measurement of cytosolic free Ca2+ oscillations in primary cultured and perfused rat liver hepatocytes.
Experiments on permeabilized hepatocytes to assess Ca2+ leak and responses to IP3.

Main Results:

A truncated form of type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) mRNA was detected in rat hepatocytes; types 2 and 3 were absent.
Specific [3H]ryanodine binding sites were identified in hepatocyte microsomes and permeabilized cells, sensitive to caffeine and dantrolene.
Ryanodine alone did not induce Ca2+ oscillations but significantly increased the frequency of alpha1-adrenergic agonist-evoked Ca2+ oscillations.
Ryanodine and cyclic ADP-ribose induced a slow Ca2+ leak and potentiated the Ca2+-releasing effect of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate.

Conclusions:

Rat hepatocytes express a novel truncated RyR1, distinct from muscle isoforms.
Ryanodine receptors in hepatocytes modulate hepatic calcium signaling by altering oscillation frequency.
RyR-mediated Ca2+ release may prime the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pool, enhancing IP3 receptor signaling through positive feedback.