Sample Image

Explanation

Acetylcholine-induced Ca²⁺ wave in a canine tracheal smooth muscle cell. Each frame represents a snapshot of intracellular Ca²⁺ taken every 75 ms. Shortening of the cell displayed a phase lag of approximately 300 ms following the rise in Ca²⁺ at one end of the cell.

Spontaneous Ca²⁺ waves in rat cardiac myocyte. These waves represent Ca²⁺ induced Ca²⁺ release and occur through ryanodine receptor channels. Wave frequency and velocity can be modulated by Ca²⁺ levels.

3D real-time imaging of spontaneous Ca²⁺ waves in rat cardiac myocyte. The images represent real-time confocal optical sections of a wave as it passes through the depth of a myocyte. Images were acquired with a piezo motor attached to the microscope objective at 15 frames/s.

3D representation of spatial distribution of Ca²⁺spark in rat cardiac myocyte. The third dimension represents the amplitude of the spark.

4D representation of Ca²⁺spark in porcine tracheal smooth muscle cell. Each 2D image is a 3D volume reconstruction (at a known angle of view) of a spark repeated at 4 successive time points. Rotational views of the 3D reconstructions allows 4D representation using only the two dimensions of the page.

Acetylcholine-induced Ca²⁺ oscillations in porcine tracheal smooth muscle cell. Oscillation frequency was directly correlated to basal Ca²⁺ level, while oscillation amplitude was inversely correlated to basal Ca²⁺. The oscillations arise from reptitive SR Ca²⁺ release through ryanodine receptor channels and Ca²⁺ reupake via the SR ATPase pump. Ca²⁺ influx is essential to replenish SR stores and maintain the oscillations.

Effect of NO donors on Ca²⁺ oscillations in tracheal smooth muscle cells. NO donors completely inhibited Ca²⁺ oscillations, predominantly by inhibiting SR Ca²⁺ release, and promoting Ca²⁺ efflux.

Ca²⁺ "sparks" in porcine skeletal myotubes. Sparks are extremely localized, Ca²⁺ release events that most likely involve ryanodine receptor channels. The frequency of sparks is modulated by agents such as ryanodine and caffeine.

Effect of estrogen on intracellular Ca²⁺ in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Estrogens produce relaxation of arterial smooth muscle by inhibiting Ca²⁺ influx and enhancing Ca²⁺ efflux, but without affecting SR Ca²⁺ release.