Effect of temperature on the mechanical behaviour of single skinned cardiac cells

The effect of changes in temperature (16-35 degrees C) on the contractile behaviour of single, skinned cardiac cells was analysed. Lowering the temperature decreased force development, extent of shortening and velocity of shortening. The effects of altering temperature on the calcium sensitivity of velocity of shortening were more pronounced than the temperature effect upon the calcium dependence of force and extent of shortening. At maximal activation force-velocity curves showed a marked shift in peak velocity, with hardly any effect on peak isometric force.