Effects of reserpine on tissue calcium and contractility of rat and rabbit aorta.
Possible effects of reserpine on disposition and availability of tissue calcium, stores for excitation-contraction coupling in isolated rat and rabbit aortae were examined. Contral 40Ca uptake, 45Ca washout, and contraction in Ca2+-free medium (Ca2+-free PSS) indicate species differences in binding or disposition, apparent functional importance, and differential use of tissue calcium by adrenaline (Epi) and high K+. Rat aortae, normally refractory to Epi or high K+ after 7 min in Ca2+-free PSS, can gain labile calcium after brief exposure to Ca2+-rich PSS which supports short-lived responses to high K+ in Ca2+-free PSS. Rabbit aortae contain calcium stores which may sustain either Epi or high-K+ responses as well as more tightly held (or sequestered) stores released by Epi for contraction. After reserpine, decreased 45Ca uptake in a kinetically defined "fast" compartment likely to include membrane calcium could enhance availability of bound tissue as well as free Ca2+ in both species. Enhanced Epi response in Ca2+-free PSS is evidence of the former. Results suggest that increased availability of bound and possibly free calcium contribute to reserpine-induced supersensitivity, but supporting evidence will be required from tissue behavior after less rigorous treatment.
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002132:Calcium Radioisotopes; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism*; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D012110:Reserpine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D002132:Calcium Radioisotopes; D012110:Reserpine; D002118:Calcium; D004837:Epinephrine