ISSN:
1438-2199
Keywords:
Amino acids
;
Taurine
;
Calcium paradox
;
Cultured myocardial cell
;
Intracellular free calcium
;
Beating
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary The effect of taurine on the cellular distribution of [Ca2+]i, during the calcium paradox was examined by digital imaging of a single fura-2-loaded cell. Cardiomyocytes superfused with control medium containing 2mM Ca2+ exhibited typical transients associated with spontaneous beating. When the cells were exposed to Ca2+-free buffer, immediate cessation of both spontaneous contractions and calcium transients was observed as [Ca2+]; rapidly fell to a level of 3–6 × 10−8M. Subsequent restoration of medium calcium increased [Ca2+]i to level 4–7 times normal. Large increases in [Ca2+]i were observed in most cells and were associated with the development of contracture and bleb formation. Taurine pretreatment (20mM) caused no significant effect on [Ca2+]i during Ca2+ depletion. However, it inhibited excessive accumulation of [Ca2+]i during the Ca2+ repletion. Moreover, taurine treated cells recovered their Ca2+-transients and beating pattern earlier than non-treated cells. Finally morphological abnormalities commonly associated with calcium overload were attenuated by taurine treatment.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01373044
