Biomaterial Database

The role of mitochondria in the contraction-relaxation cycle and other Ca2+-dependent activities of heart cells. 1975

E Carafoli

The problem of whether mitochondria participate in the contraction and relaxation of heart by binding Ca2+ reversibly has been discussed actively in recent times. The role of mitochondria has not yet been conclusively established, but is suggested by several lines of evidence, particularly in amphibian hearts. Apart from contraction and relaxation, the Ca2+ transport system of mitochondria may influence many Ca2+-sensitive cell reactions. Some are mitochondrial (succinate oxidase, alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphate phosphatase) and may control the operations of the respiratory chain and of the trichloroacetic acid cycle. Among the extramitochondrial Ca2+-sensitive reactions are phosphorylase b kinase, phospholipases, and pyruvate kinase. The latter activity has been studied in detail, and it has indeed been found that it can be modulated by mitochondria. It appears possible that the mitochondrial system for binding and transporting Ca2+ is an efficient means to regulate various phases of cell metabolism.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007476	Ionophores	Chemical agents that increase the permeability of biological or artificial lipid membranes to specific ions. Most ionophores are relatively small organic molecules that act as mobile carriers within membranes or coalesce to form ion permeable channels across membranes. Many are antibiotics, and many act as uncoupling agents by short-circuiting the proton gradient across mitochondrial membranes.	Ionophore
D007700	Kinetics	The rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems.
D008931	Mitochondria, Muscle	Mitochondria of skeletal and smooth muscle. It does not include myocardial mitochondria for which MITOCHONDRIA, HEART is available.	Sarcosomes,Mitochondrion, Muscle,Muscle Mitochondria,Muscle Mitochondrion,Sarcosome
D008954	Models, Biological	Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment.	Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D009200	Myocardial Contraction	Contractile activity of the MYOCARDIUM.	Heart Contractility,Inotropism, Cardiac,Cardiac Inotropism,Cardiac Inotropisms,Contractilities, Heart,Contractility, Heart,Contraction, Myocardial,Contractions, Myocardial,Heart Contractilities,Inotropisms, Cardiac,Myocardial Contractions
D009206	Myocardium	The muscle tissue of the HEART. It is composed of striated, involuntary muscle cells (MYOCYTES, CARDIAC) connected to form the contractile pump to generate blood flow.	Muscle, Cardiac,Muscle, Heart,Cardiac Muscle,Myocardia,Cardiac Muscles,Heart Muscle,Heart Muscles,Muscles, Cardiac,Muscles, Heart
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012430	Ruthenium Red	An inorganic dye used in microscopy for differential staining and as a diagnostic reagent. In research this compound is used to study changes in cytoplasmic concentrations of calcium. Ruthenium red inhibits calcium transport through membrane channels.	Ammoniated Ruthenium Oxychloride,Oxychloride, Ammoniated Ruthenium,Red, Ruthenium,Ruthenium Oxychloride, Ammoniated
D012964	Sodium	A member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23.	Sodium Ion Level,Sodium-23,Ion Level, Sodium,Level, Sodium Ion,Sodium 23