Correlations between the tissue redox-state and K(+)-contractures

Analyzing the mechanisms of redox-modulation of the excitatory-contractory process, recently the amplitude of K(+)-contractures, tissue redox-state potential and electrical burst activity were simultaneously measured in the rectus abdominis muscle of the frog (Rana esculenta) following oxidant (thionine) and reductant (ascorbate) treatments. Pretreatment with oxidant in parallel with the increment of redox-state potential increased, while pretreatment with reductant, parallel with the decrement of redox-state potential decreased significantly both the amplitudes of K(+)-contractures and the electrical burst activity. The main mechanisms of action of this phenomenon, at least of the phasic portion, in all probability is the increase of intracellular quotient of the ionized/bound calcium after oxidizing, but a decrease of this quotient following reducing shifts. In the case of tonic portion an increase of Ca2(+)-influx through the Na(+)-Ca2(+)-exchange diffusion mechanisms seems feasible. Other mechanisms are also discussed. Hence, the mechanism of K(+)-contractures is under the control of tissue redox-state potential as well.