Publication detail

Modelling the cardiac transverse-axial tubular system

PÁSEK, M. ŠIMURDA, J. CHRISTÉ, G. ORCHARD, C.

Original Title

Modelling the cardiac transverse-axial tubular system

Type

journal article - other

Language

English

Original Abstract

The transverse-axial tubular system (TATS) of cardiac ventricular myocytes is a complex network of tubules that arises as invaginations of the surface membrane; it appears to form a specialised region of cell membrane that is particularly important for excitation-contraction coupling. However much remains unknown about the structure and role of the TATS. In this brief review we use experimental data and computer modelling to address the following key questions: (i) What fraction of the cell membrane is within the TATS? (ii) Is the composition of the TATS membrane the same as the surface membrane? (iii) How good is electrical coupling between the surface and TATS membranes? (iv) What fraction of each current is within the TATS? (v) How important is the complex structure of the TATS network? (vi) What is the effect of current inhomogeneity on lumenal ion concentrations? (vii) Does the TATS contribute to the functional changes observed in heart failure? Although there are many areas in which experimental evidence is lacking, computer models provide a method to assess and predict the possible function of the TATS; such models suggest that although the surface and TATS membranes are electrically well coupled, concentration of ion flux pathways within the TATS, coupled to restricted diffusion, may result in the ionic composition in the TATS lumen being different from that in the bulk extracellular space, and varying with activity and in pathological conditions.

Keywords

t-tubules; TATS; Heart; Calcium; Ventricle; Computer model

Authors

PÁSEK, M.; ŠIMURDA, J.; CHRISTÉ, G.; ORCHARD, C.

RIV year

2008

Released

1. 4. 2008

ISBN

0079-6107

Periodical

PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Year of study

2008 (96)

Number

1-3

State

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Pages from

226

Pages to

243

Pages count

18

BibTex

@article{BUT45342,
  author="Michal {Pásek} and Jiří {Šimurda}",
  title="Modelling the cardiac transverse-axial tubular system",
  journal="PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY",
  year="2008",
  volume="2008 (96)",
  number="1-3",
  pages="226--243",
  issn="0079-6107"
}