Effect of the microtubule polymerizing agent taxol on contraction, Ca2+ transient and L-type Ca2+ current in rat ventricular myocytes

F. C. Howarth, S. C. Calaghan, M. R. Boyett, E. White

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

63 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microtubules form part of the cytoskeleton. Their role in adult ventricular myocytes is not well understood although microtubule proliferation has previously been linked with reduced contractile function. We investigated the effect of the anti-tumour drug taxol, a known microtubule polymerizing agent, on Ca2+ handling in adult rat ventricular myocytes. Treatment of cells with taxol caused proliferation of microtubules. In taxol-treated cells there was a reduction in the amplitude of contraction, no significant effect on the amplitude of L-type Ca2+ current, but a significant reduction in the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient. Caffeine was used to release Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). There was a significant reduction in the ratio of electrically stimulated: caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients in taxol-treated cells. This observation is consistent with the hypothesis that taxol reduces fractional SR Ca2+ release. We suggest that the negative inotropic effect of taxol may, at least in part, be the result of reduced release of Ca2+ from the SR. Microtubules may be important regulators of Ca2+ handling in the heart.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)409-419
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Physiology
Volume516
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 15 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of the microtubule polymerizing agent taxol on contraction, Ca2+ transient and L-type Ca2+ current in rat ventricular myocytes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this