[E-C coupling of the failing myocardium].
Calcium ion (Ca2+) plays a central role in regulating E-C coupling in the heart. Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is maintained when all of subcellular steps for Ca2+ handling are functioning synchronously. Many investigators have proposed that the pathophysiologic basis for abnormal mechanical characteristics of the failing myocardium may be disturbed intracellular Ca2+ handlings, at one or more of the cellular sites. Recent advances of Ca2+ indicators have enabled to directly study the hypothesis in actively contracting myocardium. In acute contractile failure with ischemia or hypoxia, cellular sites or materials which block the normal E-C coupling have been mostly identified. For the mechanisms of abnormal contractions in the chronic failing myocardium, investigations are going on by using several experimental models and human hearts.
Kihara
Y
Y
Department of Internal Medicine, Kyoto University.
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D015425:Myocardial Reperfusion
D002118:Calcium