Ca2 +-dependent regulation of beat frequency of cilia in Paramecium

Triton-extracted models of Paramecium cells prepared in the presence of Mg2+ and EGTA showed Ca2+ sensitivity not only in the direction of beat but also in the beat frequency of cilia. The beat frequency increased over a range of concentration of Ca2+ from 2 X 10(-7) to 4 X 10(-7) M, in which the model swam forwards. The frequency increased also above 10(-6)M-Ca2+, in which the model swam backwards. The increase in frequency was inhibited by calmodulin antagonists. Intracellular injection of a Ca2+ buffer giving a free Ca2+ concentration of 2 X 10(-7) to 5 X 10(-7) M in intact cells induced an increase in the beat frequency. Therefore, it is very likely that the beat frequency of cilia is regulated by the intracellular concentration of Ca2+.