Development of excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes

Jpn J Physiol. 2004 Feb;54(1):1-6. doi: 10.2170/jjphysiol.54.1.

Abstract

The excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling system during the development of heart can be investigated because of marked progression in electrophysiology and microfluorescence studies. During the developmental period, Ca2+ influx mediating the E-C coupling is mainly through the L-type Ca2+ channels. In the fetal period, T-type Ca2+ channels and the reverse mode of the Na-Ca exchange system also contribute to Ca2+ influx. These contributions probably reduce gradually until adulthood. The contraction of fetal cardiomyocytes has been thought to depend mainly on the Ca2+ influx. However, recent studies reveal that immature sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) already works in the early fetal period. Ca2+ spark, a local and unitary movement of Ca2+, can be observed in adult cardiomyocytes by the use of a confocal microscope. On the other hand, no Ca2+ spark is observed in fetal cardiomyocytes. The frequency of Ca(2+)-spark evocation increases during the postnatal period. Therefore a close distance between the L-type Ca2+ channel and the SR Ca(2+)-release channel is essential to the establishment of the Ca2+ spark.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels / physiology*
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Heart / embryology*
  • Heart / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Myocardial Contraction / physiology*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels