Article,

The role of stochastic and modal gating of cardiac L-type Ca$^2+$ channels on early after-depolarizations.

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Biophys. J., 88 (1): 85--95 (January 2005)
DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.104.051508

Abstract

Certain signaling events that promote L-type Ca$^2+$ channel (LCC) phosphorylation, such as beta-adrenergic stimulation or an increased expression of Ca$^2+$/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, promote mode 2 gating of LCCs. Experimental data suggest the hypothesis that these events increase the likelihood of early after-depolarizations (EADs). We test this hypothesis using an ionic model of the canine ventricular myocyte incorporating stochastic gating of LCCs and ryanodine-sensitive calcium release channels. The model is extended to describe myocyte responses to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Results demonstrate that in the presence of isoproterenol the random opening of a small number of LCCs gating in mode 2 during the plateau phase of the action potential (AP) can trigger EADs. EADs occur randomly, where the likelihood of these events increases as a function of the fraction of LCCs gating in mode 2. Fluctuations of the L-type Ca$^2+$ current during the AP plateau lead to variability in AP duration. Consequently, prolonged APs are occasionally observed and exhibit an increased likelihood of EAD formation. These results suggest a novel stochastic mechanism, whereby phosphorylation-induced changes in LCC gating properties contribute to EAD generation.

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