Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:dateCreated
1989-12-6
pubmed:abstractText
The Na+/Ca2+ exchange carrier is a major process for Ca2+ extrusion from cardiac cells. From the stoichiometry of ion translocation in sarcolemmal vesicles, the Na+/Ca2+ exchange is considered to be electrogenic and therefore depends not only on ion concentration gradients but also on membrane potential. Hence Ca2+ entry via the Na+/Ca2+ exchange is also at least theoretically possible. Under certain conditions, the countertransport could contribute to enhancement of force of contraction either by inhibiting Ca2+ efflux or by promoting Ca2+ entry. However, at present it is impossible to predict unequivocally the direction in which the exchanger will work in the course of the cardiac excitation cycle. This is why despite the discovery of many inhibitors and stimulators of Na+/Ca2+ exchange in sarcolemmal vesicles their effects in intact heart muscle are often surprising. Only a small number of agents are sufficiently effective in modifying Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity, but they are by no means selective and influence other ion-transporting systems as well. At present, these substances are of experimental interest as tools in the study of the characteristics of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange. In conclusion, pharmacological modification of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange seems to have potential influence on cardiac force of contraction. However, before this principle can be introduced into therapy, more detailed knowledge is required about the physiological function of the countertransport, more specific drugs must be developed, and more information is needed about possible simultaneous effects on Na+/Ca2+ exchange in other tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0160-2446
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
14 Suppl 3
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
S30-5
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1989
pubmed:articleTitle
Modulation of sodium/calcium exchange: a hypothetical positive inotropic mechanism.
pubmed:affiliation
Institut für Pharmakologie, Universität-Gesamthochschule-Essen, F.R.G.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, In Vitro, Review