Abstract
The study of Ca 2+ sparks has led to extensive new information regarding the gating of the Ca 2+ release channels underlying these events in skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells, as well as the possible roles of these local Ca 2+ release events in muscle function. Here we review basic procedures for studying Ca 2+sparks in skeletal muscle, primarily from frog, as well as the basic results concerning the properties of these events, their pattern and frequency of occurrence during fiber depolarization and the mechanisms underlying their termination. Finally, we also consider the contribution of different ryanodine receptor (RyR) isoforms to Ca 2+ sparks and the number of RyR Ca 2+ release channels that may contribute to the generation of a Ca 2+ spark. Over the decade since their discovery, Ca 2+ sparks have provided a wealth of information concerning the function of Ca 2+ release channels within their intracellular environment.
Published Version
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