Fish tapeworm and human health

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Interplay of Ryanodine Receptor Distribution and Calcium Dynamics

Spontaneously generated calcium (Ca(2+)) waves can trigger arrhythmias in ventricular and atrial myocytes. Yet, Ca(2+) waves also serve the physiological function of mediating global Ca(2+) increase and muscle contraction in atrial myocytes. We examine the factors that influence Ca(2+) wave initiation by mathematical modeling and large-scale computational (supercomputer) simulations. An important finding is the existence of a strong coupling between the ryanodine receptor distribution and Ca(2+) dynamics. Even modest changes in the ryanodine receptor spacing profoundly affect the probability of Ca(2+) wave initiation. As a consequence of this finding, we suggest that there is information flow from the contractile system to the Ca(2+) control system and this dynamical interplay could contribute to the increased incidence of arrhythmias during heart failure