Intracellular calcium buffers bind approximately 99% of cytoplasmic calcium in cardiac myocytes, playing a major role in determining the size and kinetics of calcium signaling in health and disease.
Changes of intracellular Ca 2+ concentration regulate many aspects of cardiac myocyte function. About 99% of the cytoplasmic calcium in cardiac myocytes is bound to buffers, and their properties will therefore have a major influence on Ca 2+ signaling. This article considers the fundamental properties and identities of the buffers and how to measure them. It reviews the effects of buffering on the systolic Ca 2+ transient and how this may change physiologically, and in heart failure and both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well. It is concluded that the consequences of this strong buffering may be more significant than currently appreciated, and a fuller understanding is needed for proper understanding of cardiac calcium cycling and contractility.
Smith et al. (Mon,) conducted a review in Cardiac calcium buffering in health and disease. Intracellular calcium buffers was evaluated. Intracellular calcium buffers bind approximately 99% of cytoplasmic calcium in cardiac myocytes, playing a major role in determining the size and kinetics of calcium signaling in health and disease.