Heavy Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Fractions Research Articles

Thyroid hormones differentially regulate the distribution of rabbit skeletal muscle Ca2 + -ATPase (SERCA) isoforms in light and heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum

The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is composed of two fractions, the heavy fraction that contains proteins involved in Ca2+ release, and the light fraction enriched in Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA), an enzyme responsible for Ca2+ transport from the cytosol to the lumen of SR. It is known that in red muscle thyroid hormones regulate the expression of SERCA 1 and SERCA 2 isoforms. Here we show the effects of thyroid hormone on SERCA expression and distribution in light and heavy SR fractions from rabbit white and red muscles. In hyperthyroid red muscle there is an increase of SERCA 1 and a decrease of SERCA 2 expression. This is far more pronounced in the heavy than in the light SR fraction. As a result, the rates of Ca(2+)- ATPase activity and Ca(2+)-uptake by the heavy vesicles are increased. In hypothyroidism we observed a decrease in SERCA 1 and no changes in the amount of SERCA 2 expressed. This promoted a decrease of both Ca(2+)-uptake and Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. While the major differences in hyperthyroidism were found in the heavy SR fraction, the effects of hypothyroidism were restricted to light SR fraction. In white muscle we did not observe any significant changes in either hypo- or hyperthyroidism in both SR fractions. Thus, the regulation of SERCA isoforms by thyroid hormones is not only muscle specific but also varies depending on the subcellular compartment analyzed. These changes might correspond to the molecular basis of the altered contraction and relaxation rates detected in thyroid dysfunction.

Calmodulin Oxidation and Methionine to Glutamine Substitutions Reveal Methionine Residues Critical for Functional Interaction with Ryanodine Receptor-1

Calmodulin (CaM) binds to the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor Ca(2+) release channel (RyR1) with high affinity, and it may act as a Ca(2+)-sensing subunit of the channel. Apo-CaM increases RyR1 channel activity, but Ca(2+)-CaM is inhibitory. Here we examine the functional effects of CaM oxidation on RyR1 regulation by both apo-CaM and Ca(2+)-CaM, as assessed via determinations of [(3)H]ryanodine and [(35)S]CaM binding to skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. Oxidation of all nine CaM Met residues abolished functional interactions of CaM with RyR1. Incomplete CaM oxidation, affecting 5-8 Met residues, increased the CaM concentration required to modulate RyR1, having a greater effect on the apo-CaM species. Mutating individual CaM Met residues to Gln demonstrated that Met-109 was required for apo-CaM activation of RyR1 but not for Ca(2+)-CaM inhibition of the channel. Furthermore, substitution of Gln for Met-124 increased the apo- and Ca(2+)-CaM concentrations required to regulate RyR1. These results thus identify Met residues critical for the productive association of CaM with RyR1 channels and suggest that oxidation of CaM may contribute to altered regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release during oxidative stress.

Mastoparan binds to glycogen phosphorylase to regulate sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle.

The ryanodine receptor, a Ca(2+)-releasing channel in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), plays an important role in the excitation-contraction coupling of skeletal muscle. In a previous study [Hirata, Nakahata and Ohizumi (2000) Mol. Pharmacol. 57, 1235-1242], we reported that mastoparan caused Ca(2+) release through ryanodine receptor from the heavy fraction of SR (HSR) isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle, and that it specifically bound to a 97 kDa protein which was distinct from Ca(2+)-pump or triadin. The present study was undertaken to identify and characterize the 97 kDa mastoparan-binding protein. The 97 kDa protein was purified from solubilized HSR by DEAE-Sepharose column chromatography and preparative SDS/PAGE. The partial amino acid sequence of the purified 97 kDa protein was matched with that of glycogen phosphorylase (GP). The proteolytic cleavage pattern of the 97 kDa protein was identical with that of GP. Furthermore, [(125)I-Tyr(3)]mastoparan specifically bound to GP. Interestingly, mastoparan-induced Ca(2+) release was inhibited by exogenous addition of GP-a, and mastoparan dissociated GP from HSR. These results indicate that the 97 kDa mastoparan-binding protein is GP, which negatively regulates Ca(2+) release from HSR. There may be a functional cross-talk between Ca(2+) release from HSR and glycogenolysis for energy supply mediated through GP in skeletal muscles.

Identification of 30 kDa protein for Ca 2+ releasing action of myotoxin a with a mechanism common to DIDS in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

The molecular mechanism of Ca 2+ release by myotoxin a (MTYX), a polypeptide toxin isolated from the venom of prairie rattlesnakes ( Crotalus viridis viridis), was investigated in the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum (HSR) of rabbit skeletal muscles. [ 125I]MYTX bound to four HSR proteins (106, 74, 53 and 30 kDa) on polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane. DIDS, 4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid, bound predominantly to 30 kDa protein on the PVDF membrane, the molecular weight of which was similar to one of the MYTX binding proteins. The maximum 45Ca 2+ release induced by caffeine (30 mM) was further increased in the presence of MYTX (10 μM) or DIDS (30 μM), whereas that induced by DIDS (30 μM) was not affected by MYTX (10 μM). MYTX inhibited [ 3H]DIDS binding to HSR in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, [ 125I]MYTX binding to 30 kDa protein was inhibited by DIDS in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that MYTX and DIDS release Ca 2+ from HSR in a common mechanism. The 30 kDa protein may be a target protein for the Ca 2+ releasing action of MYTX and DIDS.

Two novel types of calcium release from skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

In both the heavy and light fractions of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles from the fast skeletal muscle, about 27 min after beginning the active Ca2+ uptake, the extravesicular Ca2+ concentration suddenly increased to reach a steady level (delayed Ca2+ release). Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) not only shortened the time to delayed Ca2+ release but also induced prompt Ca2+ release from the heavy fraction of SR. Delayed Ca2+ release and prompt Ca2+ release stimulated by 100 microM PIP2 were not modified by ruthenium red. PIP2 (>0.1 microM) markedly accelerated the rate of 45Ca2+ efflux from SR vesicles in a concentration-dependent manner. The PIP(2)-induced 45Ca2+ efflux was potentiated by ruthenium red but profoundly inhibited by La3+. The concentration-response curve for Ca2+ or Mg2+ in PIP2-induced 45Ca2+ release was clearly different from that in the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. PIP2 caused a concentration-dependent increase in Ca2+ release from SR of chemically skinned fibers from skeletal muscle. Furthermore, [3H]ryanodine or [3H]methyl-7-bromoeudistomin D (MBED) binding to SR was increased by PIP2 in a concentration-dependent manner. These observations present the first evidence that PIP2 most likely activates two types of SR Ca2+ release channels whose properties are entirely different from those of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release channels (the ryanodine receptor 1).

Two novel types of calcium release from skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

In both the heavy and light fractions of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles from the fast skeletal muscle, about 27 min after beginning the active Ca2+ uptake, the extravesicular Ca2+ concentration suddenly increased to reach a steady level (delayed Ca2+ release). Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) not only shortened the time to delayed Ca2+ release but also induced prompt Ca2+ release from the heavy fraction of SR. Delayed Ca2+ release and prompt Ca2+ release stimulated by 100 µM PIP2 were not modified by ruthenium red. PIP2 (>0.1 µM) markedly accelerated the rate of 45Ca2+ efflux from SR vesicles in a concentration-dependent manner. The PIP2-induced 45Ca2+ efflux was potentiated by ruthenium red but profoundly inhibited by La3+. The concentration-response curve for Ca2+ or Mg2+ in PIP2-induced 45Ca2+ release was clearly different from that in the Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release. PIP2 caused a concentration-dependent increase in Ca2+ release from SR of chemically skinned fibers from skeletal muscle. Furthermore, [3H]ryanodine or [3H]methyl-7-bromoeudistomin D (MBED) binding to SR was increased by PIP2 in a concentration-dependent manner. These observations present the first evidence that PIP2 most likely activates two types of SR Ca2+ release channels whose properties are entirely different from those of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release channels (the ryanodine receptor 1).Key words: phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, sarcoplasmic reticulum, calcium release, ryanodine receptor, ryanodine.

Dual regulation of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor by triadin and calsequestrin.

Triadin, a calsequestrin-anchoring transmembrane protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), was successfully purified from the heavy fraction of SR (HSR) of rabbit skeletal muscle with an anti-triadin immunoaffinity column. Since depletion of triadin from solubilized HSR with the column increased the [3H]ryanodine binding activity, we tested a possibility of triadin for a negative regulator of the ryanodine receptor/Ca2+ release channel (RyR). Purified triadin not only inhibited [3H]ryanodine binding to the solubilized HSR but also reduced openings of purified RyR incorporated into the planar lipid bilayers. On the other hand, calsequestrin, an endogenous activator of RyR [Kawasaki and Kasai (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 199, 1120-1127; Ohkura et al. (1995) Can. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 73, 1181-1185] potentiated [3H]ryanodine binding to the solubilized HSR. Ca2+ dependency of [3H]ryanodine binding to the solubilized HSR was reduced by triadin, whereas that was enhanced by calsequestrin. Interestingly, [3H]ryanodine binding to the solubilized HSR potentiated by calsequestrin was reduced by triadin. Immunostaining with anti-triadin antibody proved that calsequestrin inhibited the formation of oligomeric structure of triadin. These results suggest that triadin inhibits the RyR activity and that RyR is regulated by both triadin and calsequestrin, probably through an interaction between them. In this paper, triadin has been first demonstrated to have an inhibitory role in the regulatory mechanism of the RyR.

Histidine-containing dipeptides as endogenous regulators of the activity of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-release channels

It is shown that histidine-containing dipeptide carnosine ( β-alanyl- l-histidine), which is present in skeletal muscles in millimolar concentrations, decreases the rate of Ca 2+ accumulation by the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscles. This effect results from the ability of carnosine to induce a rapid Ca 2+ release from the heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles via activation of the ruthenium red-sensitive Ca-channels. The effect of carnosine is dose-dependent that indicates the presence of saturable site(s) for carnosine in the molecules of Ca-channels. The C 0.5 value for carnosine (the concentration that induces the half-maximal Ca 2+ release) is 8.7 mM. The 1 N-methylated derivative of carnosine, i.e., anserine, also induces a rapid Ca 2+ release with the half-maximal effect at 2.7 mM. Conversely, neither histidine nor β-alanine (both separately and in the mixture) cause Ca 2+ release. In addition, carnosine increases the sensitivity of Ca-channels to their well-known activators (caffeine, AMP, and Ca 2+) and decreases inhibitory effect of low concentrations of Mg 2+. It is concluded that carnosine as a component of skeletal muscles can be an endogenous regulator of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-channel activity.

Identification of Dantrolene Binding Sites in Porcine Skeletal Muscle Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

Dantrolene, an intracellularly acting skeletal muscle relaxant, inhibits Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during excitation-contraction coupling by an unknown mechanism. The drug is used to treat malignant hyperthermia, a genetic sensitivity to volatile anesthetics which results in the massive release of intracellular Ca2+ from affected skeletal muscle. We hypothesize that determination of the site of action of dantrolene will lead to further understanding of the regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release. We report the identification of specific dantrolene binding sites in porcine skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum using a rapid filtration binding assay for [3H]dantrolene. The binding isotherm in the heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction indicates a single binding site with a Kd of 277 +/- 25 nM and a Bmax of 13.1 +/- 1.5 pmol/mg of protein. Pharmacological specificity is characterized by inhibition of [3H]dantrolene binding with unlabeled dantrolene, or azumolene, a physiologically active congener, but not with aminodantrolene, which is physiologically inactive. Drug binding is maximal at pH 6.5-7.5, requires no Ca2+ or Mg2+, and is inhibited by salt concentrations above 100 mM. [3H]Dantrolene binding is greatest in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which contains the ryanodine receptor, the primary calcium release channel. No binding is detected in the fractions enriched for sarcolemma or transverse tubules. We suggest that dantrolene inhibits calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum by either direct or indirect interaction with the ryanodine receptor.

4, 6‐Dibromo‐3‐hydroxycarbazole (an analogue of caffeine‐like Ca2+ releaser), a novel type of inhibitor of Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

1. 4,6-Dibromo-3-hydroxycarbazole (DBHC) was synthesized as an analogue of bromoeudistomin D (BED), a powerful Ca2+ releaser, and its pharmacological properties were examined. 2. In Ca2+ electrode experiments, DBHC (100 microM) markedly inhibited Ca2+ release from the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum (HSR) induced by caffeine (1 mM) and BED (10 microM). 3. DBHC (0.1 to 100 microM) inhibited 45Ca2+ release induced by Ca2+ from HSR in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. DBHC (100 microM) abolished 45Ca2+ release induced by caffeine (1 mM) and BED (10 microM) in HSR. 5. Inhibitory effects of calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) blockers such as procaine, ruthenium red and Mg2+ on 45Ca2+ release were clearly observed at Ca2+ concentrations from pCa 7 to pCa 5.5, and were decreased at Ca2+ concentrations higher than pCa 5.5 or lower than pCa 7. However, DBHC decreased Ca2+ release induced by Ca2+ over the wide range of extravesicular Ca2+ concentrations. 6. [3H]-ryanodine binding to HSR was suppressed by ruthenium red, Mg2+ and procaine, but was not affected by DBHC up to 100 microM. 7. [3H]-ryanodine binding to HSR was enhanced by caffeine and BED. DBHC antagonized the enhancement in a concentration-dependent manner. 8. 9-[3H]-Methyl-7-bromo-eudistomin D, an 3H-labelled analogue of BED, specifically bound to HSR. Both DBHC and caffeine increased the KD value without affecting the Bmax value, indicating a competitive mode of inhibition. 9. These results suggest that DBHC binds to the caffeine binding site to block Ca2+ release from HSR. This drug is a novel type of inhibitor for the CICR channels in SR and may provide a useful tool for clarifying the Ca2+ releasing mechanisms in SR.

Calsequestrin is a major binding protein of myotoxin α and an endogenious Ca 2+ releaser in sarcoplasmic reticulum

Myotoxin α from prairie rattlesnakes induced Ca 2+ release from the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum at submicromolar concentrations. 125I-Labeled myotoxin α ( 125I-myotoxin α) specifically bound to the heavy fraction. Fractionation of the solubilized heavy fraction with a spermine-agarose column gave purified calsequestrin as a major binding protein of 125I-myotoxin α. We have first indicated that calsequestrin is a target protein for Ca 2+-releasing action of myotoxin α. Calsequestrin probably plays a key role in physiological Ca 2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Regulation of Calcium Channel in Sarcoplasmic Reticulum by Calsequestrin

Gating properties of the Ca 2+ channel in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were monitored by measuring the choline permeation of the heavy fraction of SR (HSR) vesicles by the light scattering method. Increase of choline permeation by micromolar Ca 2+, which refers to Ca 2+ response, was lost when HSR vesicles were incubated overnight with EDTA or EGTA. In parallel, calsequestrin was released from the vesicles. This loss of Ca 2+ response could not be inhibited by millimolar Mg 2+, but was partially inhibited by submolar KCl. Since it took 3-5 hours to lose the Ca 2+ response, calsequestrin may be released from the inside of the vesicles. When HSR vesicles were incorporated into lipid bilayer, open probability of the Ca 2+ channel increased when calsequestrin was added to the trans side in the presence of millimolar Ca 2+.These results suggest that calsequestrin acts as a regulator of Ca 2+ channel in SR membrane.

Myotoxin a reduces the threshold for calcium-induced calcium release in skeletal muscle

M. L. Yudkowsky, J. Beech and J. E. Fletcher. Myotoxin a reduces the threshold for calcium-induced calcium release in skeletal muscle. Toxicon 32, 273–278, 1994.—Myotoxin a, isolated from the venom of the prairie rattlesnake Crotalus viridis viridis, induces necrosis in skeletal muscle. In isolated organelles, it has been reported that myotoxin a reduces Ca 2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The effects of the toxin on Ca 2+ regulation were examined in heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions from human and equine skeletal muscle. Ca 2+ uptake and release (the threshold of Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ release) were examined by dual wavelength spectrophotometry. The toxin lowered the threshold of Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ release in a dose-dependent manner (1–10 μM) and this effect was antagonized by ruthenium red, a Ca 2+ release channel blocker. Ca 2+ uptake into equine heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum was not decreased by myotoxin a (10 μM) when Ca 2+ release was blocked by ruthenium red. [ 3H]Ryanodine binding to equine heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum was converted from a relatively low affinity state to a higher affinity state by myotoxin a. These results suggest that the dominant effect of myotoxin a is to increase the Ca 2+ sensitivity for the opening of the calcium release channel (ryanodine receptor). Myotoxin a may prove to be a useful tool to probe the modulation of calcium release in sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions.

Density of Ryanodine Receptors is Increased in Sarcoplasmic Reticulum from Prehypertrophic Cardiomyopathic Hamster Heart

Calcium overload has been linked to the development of cardiomyopathy in the cardiomyopathic (CM) hamster, but the site or sites of the lesion remain obscure. To determine whether the number of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium release channels (ryanodine receptors) changes in the CM heart, we compared the density ( B max) and affinity ( K d) of [ 3H]-ryanodine binding sites in heavy SR fractions from 40-65 day-old normal and CM hamster hearts. Results showed that the B max was significantly increased in CM heart when compared to normal ( B max = 2489 ± 159 fmol/mg protein in normal heart and 3360 ±223 fmol/mg protein in CM heart, mean ± S.E., P = 0.01). [ 3H]-Ryanodine bound to a single, high affinity site in SR from both normal and CM hearts; values for K d were similar in both groups. Sensitivity of [ 3H]-ryanodine binding to Ca 2+ was unchanged, but the density of binding was increased at all Ca 2+ concentrations which potentiated binding in CM heart. Similarly, potentiation of [ 3H]-ryanodine binding by ATP and inhibition of binding by Mg 2+ were intact in membranes from CM heart. Results demonstrate that the density of [ 3H]-ryanodine receptors is increased in SR from CM hearts early in the development of cardiomyopathy, although the properties of these receptors are unchanged. This suggests an increase in the amount or velocity of Ca 2+ release from SR may contribute to the development of Ca 2+ overload in this model of cardiomyopathy.

Effects of phenytoin in two myotonic horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.

The effects of phenytoin treatment were evaluated in 2 myotonic horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HPP). Phenytoin treatment abolished the clinical signs of muscle fasciculations following oral potassium challenge and decreased or abolished repetitive firing and myotonic discharges found on electromyographic examination. In both horses, an abnormally low threshold for calcium-induced calcium release was measured in heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions from skeletal muscle, and this threshold increased with phenytoin treatment. Results suggest phenytoin is useful in modifying disordered ion regulation in the sarcolemma and sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle in equine hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.

Effects of a cardiotoxin from Naja naja kaouthia venom on skeletal muscle: Involvement of calcium-induced calcium release, sodium ion currents and phospholipases A 2 and C

Snake venom cardiotoxin (CTX) fractions induce contractures of skeletal muscle and hemolysis of red blood cells. The fractions also contain trace amounts of venom-derived phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2) contamination and activate tissue phospholipase C (PLC) activity. The present study examines the mechanisms of action of a CTX fraction from Naja naja kaouthia venom in skeletal muscle. Sphingosine competitively antagonized CTX-induced red blood cell hemolysis, but not skeletal muscle contractures. CTX rapidly lowered the threshold for Ca 2+-induced Ca 2+ release in heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions, as monitored with arsenazo III. There was also a slower time-dependent reduction of Na + currents, as assessed by whole cell patch-clamp techniques. The CTX fractions elevated levels of free fatty acids and diacylglycerol for 2 hr in primary cultures of human skeletal muscle by a combined action of venom-derived PLA 2 contamination in the fraction and activation of endogenous PLC activity. The activation of tissue PLC activity could be readily distinguished from the contribution of the venom PLA 2 by p-bromophenacyl bromide treatment of CTX fractions. The mechanism of action involved in contractures of skeletal muscle appears to be related to the immediate and specific effect of CTX (Ca 2+ release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum), while the mechanisms involved in hemolysis of red blood cells and decreased Na + currents in skeletal muscle most likely relate to long-term effects on lipid metabolism.

Fatty acids markedly lower the threshold for halothane-induced calcium release from the terminal cisternae in human and porcine normal and malignant hyperthermia susceptible skeletal muscle

Malignant hyperthermia is caused by an abnormal increase in Ca 2+ levels in skeletal muscle in response to anesthetics, including halothane. Since fatty acid production is elevated in skeletal muscle from individuals with malignant hyperthermia, the effects of fatty acids on the threshold of halothane-induced Ca 2+ release were examined. In the absence of fatty acids halothane caused Ca 2+ release from porcine and human heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions, but only at concentrations above the clinically relevant range. Oleic acid (20 μM), an unsaturated fatty acid, reduced the threshold at which halothane induced Ca 2+ release to concentrations used for anesthesia. Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid had considerably less effect on the threshold of halothane action. The greater sensitivity of malignant hyperthermia muscle to halothane can be explained by elevated fatty acid production.

Fatty acids modulate calcium-induced calcium release from skeletal muscle heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions: implications for mallignant hyperthermia

Based on studies in swine, the malignant hyperthermia syndrome has been postulated to result from an enhanced sensitivity (low threshold) of the Ca2(+)-induced Ca2(+)-release process. However, fatty acid production is elevated in homogenates of skeletal muscle from pigs and humans susceptible to malignant hyperthermia. In the present study, we demonstrate that the threshold of Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ release is normal in susceptible humans and in susceptible swine depleted of triglycerides. Exogenously added unsaturated fatty acids decreased the threshold of Ca2(+)-induced Ca2+ release to a much greater extent in porcine and equine muscle than in human muscle. When triglyceride and free fatty acid values were reduced to about 40 and 60%, respectively, of control values, malignant hyperthermia-susceptible swine did not exhibit muscle rigidity when challenged in vivo with halothane and succinylcholine and the threshold of the Ca2(+)-induced Ca2(+)-release process in heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions was normal. Despite the reduced triglyceride and fatty acid levels, these swine had a positive in vitro contracture test for malignant hyperthermia. A low Ca2(+)-induced Ca2(+)-release threshold is not essential for malignant hyperthermia susceptibility, but appears to be the result of excessive free fatty acids produced during organelle isolation.

Detection of pork in processed meal: experimental comparison of methodology: W.N. Sawaya, T. Saeed, M. Mameesh, E. El-Rayes, A. Husain, S. Ali and H. Abdul Rahman, Food Chem. 37, 201–219

It is shown that histidine-containing dipeptide carnosine (β-alanyl-l-histidine), which is present in skeletal muscles in millimolar concentrations, decreases the rate of Ca2+ accumulation by the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscles. This effect results from the ability of carnosine to induce a rapid Ca2+ release from the heavy sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles via activation of the ruthenium red-sensitive Ca-channels. The effect of carnosine is dose-dependent that indicates the presence of saturable site(s) for carnosine in the molecules of Ca-channels. The C0.5 value for carnosine (the concentration that induces the half-maximal Ca2+ release) is 8.7 mM. The 1N-methylated derivative of carnosine, i.e., anserine, also induces a rapid Ca2+ release with the half-maximal effect at 2.7 mM. Conversely, neither histidine nor β-alanine (both separately and in the mixture) cause Ca2+ release. In addition, carnosine increases the sensitivity of Ca-channels to their well-known activators (caffeine, AMP, and Ca2+) and decreases inhibitory effect of low concentrations of Mg2+. It is concluded that carnosine as a component of skeletal muscles can be an endogenous regulator of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-channel activity.

Effect of Tempreature on [3H] Ryanodine Binding to Sarcoplasmic Reticulum from Bullfrog Skeletal Muscle1

It has been clarified that ryanodine binds to Ca2(+)-induced Ca release channels in the open state in sarcoplasmic reticulum. While the pharmacological action of ryanodine is known to be retarded at a low temperature, the Ca-releasing action of caffeine is potentiated at a low temperature. In order to obtain deeper insight into the molecular mechanism underlying Ca-release, the effect of temperature on ryanodine binding to the heavy fraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum (HFSR) from bullfrog skeletal muscle was examined. Although Ca2+ is indispensable for ryanodine binding, Ca2+ alone cannot cause ryanodine binding in a reaction medium of a salt concentration similar to that of the sarcoplasm. In addition to Ca2+, caffeine and/or beta,gamma-methylene adenosine triphosphate (AMPOPCP) are necessary. [3H]Ryanodine binding at 25 degrees C closely paralleled the Ca release activity in respect of the Ca2(+)-dependence in the presence of caffeine and/or AMPOPCP, and the effects of inhibitors. A Scatchard plot for ryanodine binding gave a straight linear line, indicating a single class of homogeneous binding sites. At 0 degrees C, the rate of ryanodine binding decreased. Q10 being about 3 on average. The affinity for ryanodine was reduced to about half that at 25 degrees C, with no change in the maximum number of binding sites. The temperature-dependent change in apparent affinity for Ca2+ on ryanodine binding is not always consistent with that in the case of Ca-release activity. The bound ryanodine may be in an occluded state because it did not dissociate for up to 90 h at 0 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)