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Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells

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What is a Ca(2+) wave? Is it like an Electrical Wave?

Penelope A Boyden¹, Wen Dun¹, Bruno D Stuyvers²

¹Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York;

Arrhythmia & Electrophysiology Review

|February 3, 2016

Summary

Abnormal calcium (Ca2+) waves in heart cells can trigger arrhythmias like delayed afterdepolarisations. This review examines the properties of these Ca2+ waves, crucial for understanding cardiac electrical activity.

Keywords:

Ca2+ waves Delayed afterdepolarisation arrhythmias early afterdepolarisation

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Applications of Spatio-temporal Mapping and Particle Analysis Techniques to Quantify Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling In Situ

Applications of Spatio-temporal Mapping and Particle Analysis Techniques to Quantify Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling In Situ

Published on: January 7, 2019

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Cellular Electrophysiology
Biophysics

Background:

Subcellular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias are under continuous investigation.
Traveling calcium (Ca2+) waves in cardiac cells are increasingly recognized as key players in arrhythmogenesis, particularly in delayed afterdepolarisations and some early afterdepolarisations.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the properties of cardiac Ca2+ waves and abnormal Ca2+ releases.
To analyze these properties using frameworks typically applied to electrical waves, specifically propagation, excitability, and refractoriness.

Main Methods:

Literature review focusing on recent findings in cardiac Ca2+ wave research.
Comparative analysis of Ca2+ wave characteristics with established electrical wave properties.

Main Results:

Cardiac Ca2+ waves exhibit distinct propagation dynamics.
Abnormal Ca2+ releases share characteristics with electrical wave phenomena like excitability and refractoriness.
Understanding these properties provides insights into arrhythmia triggers.

Conclusions:

Cardiac Ca2+ waves are critical determinants of cellular electrical stability.
Characterizing Ca2+ wave propagation, excitability, and refractoriness is essential for a comprehensive understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms.
This framework aids in exploring novel therapeutic targets for cardiac arrhythmias.