Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Fluorescence-based Measurement of Store-operated Calcium Entry in Live Cells: from Cultured Cancer Cell to Skeletal Muscle Fiber
Published on: February 13, 2012
Compound effects of bisulphite ion on frog skeletal muscle
Abstract:
To characterize the structures of the nicotinic cholinoceptors in the frog rectus abdominis muscle, group-selective reagents have been used. Possible modifications of the excitation-contraction coupling have also been studied. The effect of the bisulphite ion on skeletal muscle has been demonstrated earlier at presynaptic and postsynaptic levels. Another report questioned whether these effects were significant to the contractile process in general. The present study shows that bisulphite induced qualitative and quantitative changes in the muscular response to acetylcholine and electrical stimulation. The intervention is likely at the level of excitation-contraction coupling as well as at the previously proposed sites.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Electrolytes
Role of Sodium
One...
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Ionic Strength: Effects on Chemical Equilibria
In this solution, the primary cation—the calcium...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.
Design Example: Frog Muscle Response
When the switch connecting the RL circuit is closed, a brief muscle contraction is observed. This is because, at a steady state, the inductor acts like a short circuit,...

