Abstract
The amount of Ca$^2+$ released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum
(SR) is a principal determinant of cardiac contractility. Normally,
the SR Ca$^2+$ stores are mobilized through the mechanism of
Ca$^2+$-induced Ca$^2+$ release (CICR). In this process,
Ca$^2+$ enters the cell through plasmalemmal voltage-dependent
Ca$^2+$ channels to activate the Ca$^2+$ release channels
in the SR membrane. Consequently, the control of Ca$^2+$ release
by cytosolic Ca$^2+$ has traditionally been the main focus of
cardiac excitation-contraction (EC) coupling research. Evidence obtained
recently suggests that SR Ca release is controlled not only by cytosolic
Ca$^2+$, but also by Ca$^2+$ in the lumen of the SR. The
presence of a luminal Ca$^2+$ sensor regulating release of SR
luminal Ca$^2+$ potentially has profound implications for our
understanding of EC coupling and intracellular Ca$^2+$ cycling.
Here we review evidence, obtained using in situ and in vitro approaches,
in support of such a luminal Ca$^2+$ sensor in cardiac muscle.
We also discuss the role of control of Ca$^2+$ release channels
by luminal Ca$^2+$ in termination and stabilization of CICR,
as well as in shaping the response of cardiac myocytes to various
inotropic influences and diseased states such as Ca$^2+$ overload
and heart failure.
- 12045014
- animals,
- calcium
- calcium,
- channels,
- gov't,
- heart,
- humans,
- myocardium,
- non-u.s.
- p.h.s.,
- research
- reticulum,
- sarcoplasmic
- support,
- u.s.
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