A systematic approach for assessing Ca²⁺ handling in cardiac myocytes

Karin R. Sipido*, Niall Macquaide, Virginie Bito

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In cardiac myocytes, Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) store through the opening of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) is the major source of Ca(2+) for activation of myofilaments and contraction. Over the past 20 years, tools have become available to study this release process in detail, allowing new insights into the regulation of SR Ca(2+) release and RyR function. To assess these processes, we recommend and here review a systematic approach that evaluates the essential transport mechanisms and Ca(2+) fluxes in isolated single cardiac myocytes by using fluorescent Ca(2+) indicators and whole-cell recording of membrane voltage and ionic currents under voltage clamp. The approach includes an assessment of the L-type Ca(2+) current as a trigger for opening of RyRs and release of SR Ca(2+), of the SR Ca(2+) content, of intrinsic properties of RyRs, and of Ca(2+)-removal systems.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)431-433
Number of pages3
JournalCold Spring Harbor protocols
Volume2015
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2015

Keywords

  • Calcium/metabolism
  • Cytological Techniques/methods
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
  • Myofibrils/metabolism
  • Optical Imaging/methods
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques/methods
  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel/metabolism
  • Staining and Labeling/methods

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology

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