Expression of the L-type calcium channel in human heart failure.
L-type calcium channels play an important role in excitation-contraction coupling. After cardiomyocyte depolarization L-type calcium channels open and Ca2+ ions enter the cell. These small Ca2+ inward currents trigger calcium release from the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum, a process called calcium-induced calcium release. Subsequently, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration rises rapidly to levels that initiate contraction. In heart failure calcium-induced calcium release is disturbed, and in this review we focus on the L-type calcium channel and its contribution to this defective excitation-contraction coupling.
Hersel
Joachim
J
Herzzentrum Leipzig, Klinik für Herzchirurgie, Russenstrasse 19, 04289 Leipzig, Germany.
Jung
Simon
S
Mohacsi
Paul
P
Hullin
Roger
R
D000818:Animals; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D002303:Cardiac Output, Low / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D009206:Myocardium / Q000378:metabolism; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D012016:Reference Values
D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D020033:Protein Isoforms