Abstract
Spontaneously generated calcium (Ca2+) waves can trigger arrhythmias in ventricular and atrial myocytes. Yet, Ca2+ waves also serve the physiological function of mediating global Ca2+ increase and muscle contraction in atrial myocytes. We examine the factors that influence Ca2+ wave initiation by mathematical modeling and large-scale computational (supercomputer) simulations. An important finding is the existence of a strong coupling between the ryanodine receptor distribution and Ca 2+ dynamics. Even modest changes in the ryanodine receptor spacing profoundly affect the probability of Ca2+ wave initiation. As a consequence of this finding, we suggest that there is information flow from the contractile system to the Ca2+ control system and this dynamical interplay could contribute to the increased incidence of arrhythmias during heart failure.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 95-112 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Biophysical Journal |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics