Synchronization of stochastic Ca²(+) release units creates a rhythmic Ca²(+) clock in cardiac pacemaker cells.

ABSTRACT: In sinoatrial node cells of the heart, beating rate is controlled, in part, by local Ca²(+) releases (LCRs) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which couple to the action potential via electrogenic Na(+)/Ca²(+) exchange. We observed persisting, roughly periodic LCRs in depolarized rabbit sinoatrial node cells (SANCs). The features of these LCRs were reproduced by a numerical model consisting of a two-dimensional array of stochastic, diffusively coupled Ca²(+) release units (CRUs) with fixed refractory period. Because previous experimental studies showed that β-adrenergic receptor stimulation increases the rate of Ca²(+) release through each CRU (dubbed I(spark)), we explored the link between LCRs and I(spark) in our model. Increasing the CRU release current I(spark) facilitated Ca²(+)-induced

SUBMITTER: Maltsev AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3021664 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature