Saltatory propagation of Ca2+ waves by Ca2+ sparks

Biophys J. 1998 Aug;75(2):595-600. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(98)77550-2.

Abstract

Punctate releases of Ca2+, called Ca2+ sparks, originate at the regular array of t-tubules in cardiac myocytes and skeletal muscle. During Ca2+ overload sparks serve as sites for the initiation and propagation of Ca2+ waves in myocytes. Computer simulations of spark-mediated waves are performed with model release sites that reproduce the adaptive Ca2+ release observed for the ryanodine receptor. The speed of these waves is proportional to the diffusion constant of Ca2+, D, rather than D, as is true for reaction-diffusion equations in a continuous excitable medium. A simplified "fire-diffuse-fire" model that mimics the properties of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from isolated sites is used to explain this saltatory mode of wave propagation. Saltatory and continuous wave propagation can be differentiated by the temperature and Ca2+ buffer dependence of wave speed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Diffusion
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Biological
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Myocardium / metabolism*
  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel
  • Calcium