Caveolae modulate excitation–contraction coupling and β2-adrenergic signalling in adult rat ventricular myocytes

Abstract

Caveolae modulate ECC via the efficiency of the Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release process, rather than Ca(2+) influx. Our data are also consistent with the hypothesis that interaction of G(i) protein cascade components with caveolin in the caveolae is necessary for effective signalling by this pathway. This suggests that changes in caveolin expression in the adult heart seen during aging and in disease will have consequences for baseline cardiac function and beta-adrenergic responsiveness.