Localized deposition of lead phosphate precipitate in flycerinated rabbit psoas muscle during atp-induced contraction

Abstract

The location of ATP-ase sites within sarcomeres was studied by allowing glycerinated rabbit psoas muscle to shorten under load in a solution containing ATP and lead nitrate. The lead phosphate precipitate formed during the contraction is located mainly within the A-band of shortened sarcomeres. In fibers glycerinated at rest length, the heaviest precipitate deposits are located at the center of the A-band, roughly corresponding to the double overlap zone, with lesser precipitate concentrations at the A–l boundary contraction bands. In fibers glycerinated at stretched length, shortened sarcomeres with heavy contraction bands at the A–l boundary and patent H-bands have heavy precipitate deposits over the contraction bands and no localization to the center of the A-band. The precipitate is thus seen to be most concentrated at those regions where one would expect to find the best contact between thick and thin filaments. Physiological experiments were performed. Evidence is presented that lead ions can substitute for calcium in the contraction process, altering the time course of contraction.