Calcium, cross-bridges, and the Frank-Starling relationship

News Physiol Sci. 2001 Feb:16:5-10. doi: 10.1152/physiologyonline.2001.16.1.5.

Abstract

The steep relationship between active force and length in cardiac muscle is based on a length dependence of myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity. However, it is not muscle length but the lateral spacing between actin and myosin filaments that sets the level of Ca(2+) sensitivity, mainly through modulation of myosin-mediated activation of the thin filament.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Actin Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / metabolism*
  • Muscle Fibers, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Myocardium / cytology
  • Myocardium / metabolism

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Calcium