Abstract
Recent studies employing Ca2+ indicators and confocal microscopy demonstrate substantial local Ca2+ release beneath the cell plasma membrane (subspace) of sinoatrial node cells (SANCs) occurring during diastolic depolarization. Pharmacological and biophysical experiments have suggested that the released Ca2+ interacts with the plasma membrane via the ion current (/NaCa) produced by the Na +/Ca2+ exchanger and constitutes an important determinant of the pacemaker rate. This study provides a numerical validation of the functional importance of diastolic Ca2+ release for rate control. The subspace Ca2+ signals in rabbit SANCs were measured by laser confocal microscopy, averaged, and calibrated. The time course of the subspace [Ca2+] displayed both diastolic and systolic components. The diastolic component was mainly due to the local Ca2+ releases; it was numerically approximated and incorporated into a SANC cellular electrophysiology model. The model predicts that the diastolic Ca2+ release strongly interacts with plasma membrane via /NaCa and thus controls the phase of the action potential upstroke and ultimately the final action potential rate.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2596-2605 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Biophysical journal |
Volume | 86 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics