Calcium Regulation in Heart Cells

Abstract

A study has been carried out of the interaction of dog heart mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum with Ca2+ bound to troponin or to its Ca2+-binding component (troponin-C). Both organelles are able to release more than 80% of the Ca2+ bound to the two proteins. However, sarcoplasmic reticulum is only able to do so in the presence of oxalate, whereas mitochondria are active also in the absence of permeant Ca-complexing anions. On the other hand, calcium uptake in heart mitochondria is severely inhibited by Mg2+. The results are discussed with reference to the problem of the control of Ca2+ in heart sarcoplasm.