title: Calcium channel modulation by beta-adrenergic neurotransmitters in the heart.
abstract: Calcium ions play a crucial role in the regulation of the heart beat. During each action potential Ca2+ ions flow into the cell and are directly and indirectly involved in generation of pacemaker potentials and of contractile force. Adrenergic and cholinergic neurotransmitters modulate Ca2+ influx. The most detailed analysis has been made on the mechanism of the beta-adrenergic effect on calcium channels in cardiac cell membranes. This is briefly summarized in a personal account, while for more detailed information the reader is referred to more extensive recent reviews.
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000494:pharmacology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D007473:Ion Channels; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D011494:Protein Kinases; D002118:Calcium