Identification and characterization of the high affinity [3H]ryanodine receptor of the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel

The high affinity ryanodine receptor of the Ca2+ release channel from junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum of rabbit skeletal muscle has been identified and characterized using monoclonal antibodies. Anti-ryanodine receptor monoclonal antibody XA7 specifically immunoprecipitated [3H]ryanodine-labeled receptor from digitonin-solubilized triads in a dose-dependent manner. [3H]Ryanodine binding to the immunoprecipitated receptor from unlabeled digitonin-solubilized triads was specific, Ca2+-dependent, stimulated by millimolar ATP, and inhibited by micromolar ruthenium red. Indirect immunoperoxidase staining of nitrocellulose blots of various skeletal muscle membrane fractions has demonstrated that anti-ryanodine receptor monoclonal antibody XA7 recognizes a high molecular weight protein (approximately 350,000 Da) which is enriched in isolated triads but absent from light sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles and transverse tubular membrane vesicles. Thus, our results demonstrate that monoclonal antibodies to the approximately 350,000-Da junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum protein immunoprecipitated the ryanodine receptor with properties identical to those expected for the ryanodine receptor of the Ca2+ release channel.     

The Ca2+-release channel/ryanodine receptor is localized in junctional and corbular sarcoplasmic reticulum in cardiac muscle

The subcellular distribution of the Ca(2+)-release channel/ryanodine receptor in adult rat papillary myofibers has been determined by immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopical studies using affinity purified antibodies against the ryanodine receptor. The receptor is confined to the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) where it is localized to interior and peripheral junctional SR and the corbular SR, but it is absent from the network SR where the SR-Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban are densely distributed. Immunofluorescence labeling of sheep Purkinje fibers show that the ryanodine receptor is confined to discrete foci while the SR-Ca(2+)-ATPase is distributed in a continuous network-like structure present at the periphery as well as throughout interior regions of these myofibers. Because Purkinje fibers lack T- tubules, these results indicate that the ryanodine receptor is localized not only to the peripheral junctional SR but also to corbular SR densely distributed in interfibrillar spaces of the I-band regions. We have previously identified both corbular SR and junctional SR in cardiac muscle as potential Ca(2+)-storage/Ca(2+)-release sites by demonstrating that the Ca2+ binding protein calsequestrin and calcium are very densely distributed in these two specialized domains of cardiac SR in situ. The results presented here provide strong evidence in support of the hypothesis that corbular SR is indeed a site of Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release via the ryanodine receptor during excitation contraction coupling in cardiac muscle. Furthermore, these results indicate that the function of the cardiac Ca(2+)-release channel/ryanodine receptor is not confined to junctional complexes between SR and the sarcolemma.     

Mechanism of calmodulin inhibition of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor)

The functional effects of calmodulin (CaM) on single cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release channels (ryanodine receptors) (RyR2s) were determined in the presence of two endogenous channel effectors, MgATP and reduced glutathione, using the planar lipid bilayer method. Single-channel activities, number of events, and open and close times were determined at varying cytosolic Ca(2+) concentrations. CaM reduced channel open probability at <10 micro M Ca(2+) by decreasing channel events and mean open times and increasing mean close times. At >10 micro M Ca(2+), CaM was less effective in inhibiting RyR2. CaM decreased mean open times but increased channel events, without significantly affecting mean close times. A series of voltage pulses was applied to the bilayer from +50 to -50 mV and from -50 mV to +50 mV to rapidly increase and decrease open channel-mediated sarcoplasmic reticulum lumenal to cytosolic Ca(2+) fluxes. CaM decreased the duration of the open events after the voltage switch from -50 mV to +50 mV. In parallel experiments, a Ca(2+)-insensitive calmodulin mutant was without effect on RyR2 activity. The results are discussed in terms of a possible role of CaM in the termination of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release.     

Chloride-dependent sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release correlates with increased Ca2+ activation of ryanodine receptors.

The mechanism by which chloride increases sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ permeability was investigated. In the presence of 3 microM Ca2+, Ca2+ release from 45Ca(2+)-loaded SR vesicles prepared from procine skeletal muscle was increased approximately 4-fold when the media contained 150 mM chloride versus 150 mM propionate, whereas in the presence of 30 nM Ca2+, Ca2+ release was similar in the chloride- and the propionate-containing media. Ca(2+)-activated [3H]ryanodine binding to skeletal muscle SR was also increased (2- to 10-fold) in media in which propionate or other organic anions were replaced with chloride; however, chloride had little or no effect on cardiac muscle SR 45Ca2+ release or [3H]ryanodine binding. Ca(2+)-activated [3H]ryanodine binding was increased approximately 4.5-fold after reconstitution of skeletal muscle RYR protein into liposomes, and [3H]ryanodine binding to reconstituted RYR protein was similar in chloride- and propionate-containing media, suggesting that the sensitivity of the RYR protein to changes in the anionic composition of the media may be diminished upon reconstitution. Together, our results demonstrate a close correlation between chloride-dependent increases in SR Ca2+ permeability and increased Ca2+ activation of skeletal muscle RYR channels. We postulate that media containing supraphysiological concentrations of chloride or other inorganic anions may enhance skeletal muscle RYR activity by favoring a conformational state of the channel that exhibits increased activation by Ca2+ in comparison to the Ca2+ activation exhibited by this channel in native membranes in the presence of physiological chloride (< or = 10 mM). Transitions to this putative Ca(2+)-activatable state may thus provide a mechanism for controlling the activation of RYR channels in skeletal muscle.     

Characterization of a Ca2+ binding and regulatory site in the Ca2+ release channel (ryanodine receptor) of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

A region in the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor between amino acids 4014 and 4765 was expressed as a trpE fusion protein. Overlay studies revealed that this region bound Ca2+ and ruthenium red, an indicator of Ca(2+)-binding sites. Ca2+ binding was mapped to subregion 13b between amino acids 4246 and 4377, encompassing a predicted high affinity Ca(2+)-binding site, and to subregion 13c between amino acids 4364 and 4529, encompassing two predicted high affinity Ca(2+)-binding sites. Ca2+ binding was then mapped to three shorter sequences, 22(13b1), 36(13c1), and 35(13c2), amino acids long, each encompassing one of the three predicted Ca(2+)-binding sites. Site-directed polyclonal antibodies were raised against these three short sequences and purified on antigen affinity columns. The antibody against sequence 13c2, lying between residues 4478 and 4512, specifically recognized both denatured and native forms of the ryanodine receptor, suggesting that at least part of the 35 amino acid sequence containing the Ca(2+)-binding site is surface-exposed. The affinity purified antibody increased the Ca2+ sensitivity of ryanodine receptor channels incorporated into planar lipid bilayers, resulting in increased open probability and opening time without altering channel conductance. The antibody-activated channel was still modulated by Ca2+, Mg2+, ATP, ryanodine, and ruthenium red. These observations suggest that sequence 13c2 may be involved in Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release.     

Modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle expressing ryanodine receptor impaired in regulation by calmodulin and S100A1

In vitro, calmodulin (CaM) and S100A1 activate the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor ion channel (RyR1) at submicromolar Ca(2+) concentrations, whereas at micromolar Ca(2+) concentrations, CaM inhibits RyR1. One amino acid substitution (RyR1-L3625D) has previously been demonstrated to impair CaM binding and regulation of RyR1. Here we show that the RyR1-L3625D substitution also abolishes S100A1 binding. To determine the physiological relevance of these findings, mutant mice were generated with the RyR1-L3625D substitution in exon 74, which encodes the CaM and S100A1 binding domain of RyR1. Homozygous mutant mice (Ryr1(D/D)) were viable and appeared normal. However, single RyR1 channel recordings from Ryr1(D/D) mice exhibited impaired activation by CaM and S100A1 and impaired CaCaM inhibition. Isolated flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers from Ryr1(D/D) mice had depressed Ca(2+) transients when stimulated by a single action potential. However, during repetitive stimulation, the mutant fibers demonstrated greater relative summation of the Ca(2+) transients. Consistently, in vivo stimulation of tibialis anterior muscles in Ryr1(D/D) mice demonstrated reduced twitch force in response to a single action potential, but greater summation of force during high-frequency stimulation. During repetitive stimulation, Ryr1(D/D) fibers exhibited slowed inactivation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release flux, consistent with increased summation of the Ca(2+) transient and contractile force. Peak Ca(2+) release flux was suppressed at all voltages in voltage-clamped Ryr1(D/D) fibers. The results suggest that the RyR1-L3625D mutation removes both an early activating effect of S100A1 and CaM and delayed suppressing effect of CaCaM on RyR1 Ca(2+) release, providing new insights into CaM and S100A1 regulation of skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.     

Activation of the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channel of sarcoplasmic reticulum by a novel scorpion venom.

We identified a peptide fraction from the venom of the scorpion Buthotus hottentota that stimulated binding of [3H]ryanodine to ryanodine receptors of skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and brain microsomes in a highly specific manner. Activity was concentrated in a peptide fraction of Mr 5,000-8,000. Assuming a single active peptide in this fraction, we estimated a dissociation constant of 20-30 nM for the interaction of the peptide with the ryanodine receptor. The whole venom and the purified fraction activated skeletal ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channels incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. The venom produced a 10-fold increase in the mean open time and induced the appearance of a long lasting subconductance state not seen in controls. Changes were reversible and could be induced by the partially purified venom fraction. This novel scorpion venom should be helpful in establishing the role of ryanodine receptors in the initiation of intracellular Ca2+ release in striated muscle and in nonmuscle cells containing functional ryanodine receptors such as neurons and secretory cells.     

Nitroxyl triggers Ca2+ release from skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum by oxidizing ryanodine receptors

The biological activity of nitric oxide (NO) and NO-donors has been extensively investigated yet few studies have examined those of nitroxyl (HNO) species even though both exist in chemical equilibrium but oxidize thiols by different reaction mechanisms: S-nitrosation versus disulfide bond formation. Here, sodium trioxodinitrate (Na2N2O3; Angeli's salt; ANGS) was used as an HNO donor to investigate its effects on skeletal (RyR1) and cardiac (RyR2) ryanodine receptors. At steady-state concentrations of nanomoles/L, HNO induced a rapid Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles then the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) reversed the oxidation by HNO resulting in Ca2+ re-uptake by SR vesicles. With RyR1 channel proteins reconstituted in planar bilayers, HNO added to the cis-side increased the open probability (Po) from 0.056+/-0.026 to 0.270+/-0.102 (P<0.005, n=4) then DTT (3 mM) reduced Po to 0.096+/-0.040 (P<0.01, n=4). In parallel experiments, the time course of HNO production from ANGS was monitored by EPR and UV spectroscopy and compared with the rate of SR Ca2+ release indicating that picomolar concentrations of HNO triggered SR Ca2+ release. Controls showed that the hydroxyl radical scavenger, phenol did not alter ANGS-induced SR Ca2+ release, indicating that hydroxyl radical production from ANGS did not account for Ca2+ release from the SR. The findings indicate that HNO is a more potent activator of RyR1 than NO and that HNO activation of RyRs may contribute to NO's activation of RyRs and to the therapeutic effects of HNO-releasing prodrugs in heart failure.     

Intraluminal Ca2+ dependence of Ca2+ and ryanodine-mediated regulation of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release.

The action of ryanodine upon sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ handling is controversial with evidence for both activation and inhibition of SR Ca2+ release. In this study, the role of the intraluminal SR Ca2+ load was probed as a potential regulator of ryanodine-mediated effects upon SR Ca2+ release. Through dual-wavelength spectroscopy of Ca2+:antipyrylazo III difference absorbance, the intraluminal Ca2+ dependence of ryanodine and Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from skeletal SR vesicles was examined. Ryanodine addition after initiation of Ca2+ uptake (a) increased the intraluminal Ca2+ sensitivity of CICR and (b) stimulated spontaneous Ca2+ release with a delayed onset. These ryanodine effects were inversely proportional to the intraluminal Ca2+ load. Ryanodine also inhibited subsequent CICR after reaccumulation of Ca2+ released from the initial CICR. These results provide evidence that ryanodine inhibits transitions between low and high affinity Ca2+ binding states of an intraluminal Ca2+ compartment, possibly calsequestrin. Conformational transitions of calsequestrin may be reciprocally coupled to transitions between open and closed states of the Ca2+ release channel.     

Cytoplasmic Ca2+ does not inhibit the cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channel,although Ca2+-induced Ca2+ inactivation of Ca2+ release is observed in native vesicles

Single channel properties of cardiac and fast-twitch skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) release channels were compared in a planar bilayer by fusing SR membranes in a Cs⁺-conducting medium. We found that the pharmacology, Cs⁺ conductance and selectivity to monovalent and divalent cations of the two channels were similar. The cardiac SR channel exhibited multiple kinetic states. The open and closed lifetimes were not altered from a range of 10^–7 to 10^–3 M Ca²⁺, but the proportion of closed and open states shifted to shorter closings and openings, respectively.However, while the single channel activity of the skeletal SR channel was activated and inactivated by micromolar and millimolar Ca²⁺, respectively, the cardiac SR channel remained activated in the presence of high [Ca²⁺]. In correlation to these studies, [³H]ryanodine binding by the receptors of the two channel receptors was inhibited by high [Ca²⁺] in skeletal but not in cardiac membranes in the presence of adenine nucleotides. There is, however, a minor inhibition of [³H]ryanodine binding of cardiac SR at millimolar Ca²⁺ in the absence of adenine nucleotides.When Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release was examined from preloaded native SR vesicles, the release rates followed a normal biphasic curve, with Ca²⁺-induced inactivation at high [Ca²⁺] for both cardiac and skeletal SR. Our data suggest that the molecular basis of regulation of the SR Ca²⁺ release channel in cardiac and skeletal muscle is different, and that the cardiac SR channel isoform lacks a Ca²⁺-inactivated site.This work was supported by research grants from the National Institutes of Health HL13870 and AR38970, and the Texas Affiliate of the American Heart Association, 91A-188. M. Fill was the recipient of an NIH fellowship AR01834.     

Postulated role of interdomain interactions within the type 1 ryanodine receptor in the low gain of Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release activity of mammalian skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum

Ryanodine receptor (RyR) type 1 (RyR1) exhibits a markedly lower gain of Ca²⁺-induced Ca²⁺ release (CICR) activity than RyR type 3 (RyR3) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of mammalian skeletal muscle (selective stabilization of the RyR1 channel), and this reduction in the gain is largely eliminated using 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid (CHAPS). We have investigated whether the hypothesized interdomain interactions within RyR1 are involved in the selective stabilization of the channel using [³H]ryanodine binding, single-channel recordings, and Ca²⁺ release from the SR vesicles. Like CHAPS, domain peptide 4 (DP4, a synthetic peptide corresponding to the Leu²⁴⁴²-Pro²⁴⁷⁷ region of RyR1), which seems to destabilize the interdomain interactions, markedly stimulated RyR1 but not RyR3. Their activating effects were saturable and nonadditive. Dantrolene, a potent inhibitor of RyR1 used to treat malignant hyperthermia, reversed the effects of DP4 or CHAPS in an identical manner. These findings indicate that RyR1 is activated by DP4 and CHAPS through a common mechanism that is probably mediated by the interdomain interactions. DP4 greatly increased [³H]ryanodine binding to RyR1 with only minor alterations in the sensitivity to endogenous CICR modulators (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and adenine nucleotide). However, DP4 sensitized RyR1 four- to six-fold to caffeine in the caffeine-induced Ca²⁺ release. Thus the gain of CICR activity critically determines the magnitude and threshold of Ca²⁺ release by drugs such as caffeine. These findings suggest that the low CICR gain of RyR1 is important in normal Ca²⁺ handling in skeletal muscle and that perturbation of this state may result in muscle diseases such as malignant hyperthermia. malignant hyperthermia; 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]propane sulfonic acid; domain peptide 4     

Spectroscopic determination of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release

In this report we describe the application of spectroscopic methods to the study of Ca2+ release by isolated native sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membranes from rabbit skeletal muscle. To date, dual-wavelength spectroscopy of arsenazo III and antipyrylazo III difference absorbance have been the most common spectroscopic methods for the assay of SR Ca2+ transport. The utility of these methods is the ability to manipulate intraluminal Ca2+ loading of SR vesicles. These methods have also been useful for studying the effect of both agonists and antagonists upon SR Ca2+ release and Ca2+ uptake. In this study, we have developed the application of Calcium Green-2, a long-wavelength excitable fluorescent indicator, for the study of SR Ca2+ uptake and release. With this method we demonstrate how ryanodine receptor Ca2+ channel opening and closing is regulated in a complex manner by the relative distribution of Ca2+ between extraluminal and intraluminal Ca2+ compartments. Intraluminal Ca2+ is shown to be a key regulator of Ca2+ channel opening. However, these methods also reveal that the intraluminal Ca2+ threshold for Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release varies as a function of extraluminal Ca2+ concentration. The ability to study how the relative distribution of a finite pool of Ca2+ across the SR membrane influences Ca2+ uptake and Ca2+ release may be useful for understanding how the ryanodine receptor is regulated, in vivo.     

The Ca2+ release channel in junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum: gating and blockade by cations.

1. By using a sarcoplasmic reticulum preparation containing feet structures and the 45Ca2+/filtration technique, the opening and closing response of the Ca(2+)-channel was studied. 2. Extravesicular Sr2+ can activate the channel even though this cation is less efficient than Ca2+ in stimulating the Ca2+ release. Higher Sr2+ concentrations display inhibitory action. 3. By studying the closing response high- and low-affinity cations can be distinguished, according to the concentration range required to exert their effect. 4. The synergistic behavior observed by combining high- and low-affinity blocking cations suggest that they interact through the same binding site. 5. The high-and low-affinity cations are noncompetitive blockers of the activating Ca2+ suggesting the existence of an inhibitory site which is different to the activating site.     

Activation of Ca2+ release in isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum

Summary The relationship between Ca²⁺ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum, induced by elevated pH, tetraphenylboron (TPB^–) or chemical modification, and the change in the surface charge of the membranes as measured by the fluorescence intensity of anilinonaphthalene sulfonate (ANS) is examined. The stimulated Ca²⁺ release is inhibited by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and external Ca²⁺. TPB^–, but not tetraphenylarsonium (TPA⁺), causes a decrease in ANS^– fluorescence, with 50% decrease occurring at about 5 m TPB^–. The decrease in ANS^– fluorescence as well as the inhibition of Ca²⁺ accumulation induced by TPB^– are prevented by TPA⁺. A linear relationship between the decrease in membrane surface potential and the extent of the Ca²⁺ released by TPB^– is obtained. Similar levels of [³H]TPB^– bound to sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes were obtained regardless of whether or not the vesicles have taken up Ca²⁺. The inhibition of Ca²⁺ accumulation and the [³H]TPB^– incorporation into the membranes were correlated. Ca²⁺ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum, by pH elevation, chemical modification or by addition of NaSCN (0.2 to 0.5m) or the Ca²⁺ ionophore ionomycin, is also accompanied by a decrease in ANS^– fluorescence intensity. However, chemical modification and elevated pH affects the surface potential much less than SCN^– or TPB^– do. These results suggest that the enhancement of Ca²⁺ release by these treatments is not due to a general effect on the membrane surface potential, but rather through the modification of a specific protein. They also suggest that membrane surface charges might play an important role in the control mechanism of Ca²⁺ release.     

Heavy metal-induced Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum

Two distinct forms of Ca2+ release from isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles in response to additions of heavy metals (silver and mercurials) are described. One form of heavy metal-induced Ca2+ release involves the ruthenium red-sensitive Ca2+ release channel localized in terminal cisternae. The other form of heavy metal-induced Ca2+ release appears to involve all portions of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and is insensitive to ruthenium red. This latter form of Ca2+ release occurs over a similar range of heavy metal concentrations as inhibition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump but does not appear to be a result solely of such pump inhibition. Both forms of Ca2+ release are inhibited by glutathione, an endogenous constituent of muscle fibers, and by dithiothreitol, agents which prevent sulfhydryl oxidation. To assess the role of any sulfhydryl oxidation in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release physiologically, dithiothreitol and glutathione were introduced inside muscle fibers and effects on excitation-contraction coupling examined. The results strongly suggest that sulfhydryl oxidation plays no essential role in skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.     

Purified ryanodine receptor from skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum is the Ca2+-permeable pore of the calcium release channel

The ryanodine receptor of rabbit skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography as a single approximately 450,000-Da polypeptide and it was shown to mediate single channel activity identical to that of the ryanodine-treated Ca2+ release channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The purified receptor had a [3H]ryanodine binding capacity (Bmax) of 280 pmol/mg and a binding affinity (Kd) of 9.0 nM. [3H]Ryanodine binding to the purified receptor was stimulated by ATP and Ca2+ with a half-maximal stimulation at 1 mM and 8-9 microM, respectively. [3H]Ryanodine binding to the purified receptor was inhibited by ruthenium red and high concentrations of Ca2+ with an IC50 of 2.5 microM and greater than 1 mM, respectively. Reconstitution of the purified receptor in planar lipid bilayers revealed the Ca2+ channel activity of the purified receptor. Like the native sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ channels treated with ryanodine, the purified receptor channels were characterized by (i) the predominance of long open states insensitive to Mg2+ and ruthenium red, (ii) a main slope conductance of approximately 35 pS and a less frequent 22 pS substate in 54 mM trans-Ca2+ or Ba2+, and (iii) a permeability ratio PBa or PCa/PTris = 8.7. The approximately 450,000-Da ryanodine receptor channel thus represents the long-term open "ryanodine-altered" state of the Ca2+ release channel from sarcoplasmic reticulum. We propose that the ryanodine receptor constitutes the physical pore that mediates Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle.     

Ca2+-induced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in myotubularin-deficient muscle fibers

Skeletal muscle deficiency in the 3-phosphoinositide (PtdInsP) phosphatase myotubularin (MTM1) causes myotubular myopathy which is associated with severe depression of voltage-activated sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ release through ryanodine receptors. In the present study we aimed at further understanding how Ca²⁺ release is altered in MTM1-deficient muscle fibers, at rest and during activation. While in wild-type muscle fibers, SR Ca²⁺ release exhibits fast stereotyped kinetics of activation and decay throughout the voltage range of activation, Ca²⁺ release in MTM1-deficient muscle fibers exhibits slow and unconventional kinetics at intermediate voltages, suggestive of partial loss of the normal control of ryanodine receptor Ca²⁺ channel activity. In addition, the diseased muscle fibers at rest exhibit spontaneous elementary Ca²⁺ release events at a frequency 30 times greater than that of control fibers. Eighty percent of the events have spatiotemporal properties of archetypal Ca²⁺ sparks while the rest take either the form of lower amplitude, longer duration Ca²⁺ release events or of a combination thereof. The events occur at preferred locations in the fibers, indicating spatially uneven distribution of the parameters determining spontaneous ryanodine receptor 1 opening. Spatially large Ca²⁺ release sources were obviously involved in some of these events, suggesting that opening of ryanodine receptors in one cluster can activate opening of ryanodine receptors in a neighboring one. Overall results demonstrate that opening of Ca²⁺-activated ryanodine receptors is promoted both at rest and during excitation-contraction coupling in MTM1-deficient muscle fibers. Because access to this activation mode is denied to ryanodine receptors in healthy skeletal muscle, this may play an important role in the associated disease situation.     

Sulfhydryl oxidation and Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum

Summary Our interest in the role of sulfhydryl groups (SH) in regulating or altering transport across biological membranes has focused on the significance of a critical SH group associated with the Ca²⁺-release protein from skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). We have shown that binding of heavy metals to this group or oxidation of this sulfhydryl to a disulfide induces rapid Ca²⁺ release from SR vesicles [1, 2] and induces contraction in skinned muscle fibers [3]. Several models are described in which oxidation and reduction might control the state of the Ca²⁺-release channel from SR.Abbreviations DTT Dithiothreitol, redox. - oxidation-reduction - SDS Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate - SH Sulfhydryl - SR Sarcoplasmic Reticulum - T-tubule Transverse tubule