Regional expression of L-type calcium channel subunits during cardiac development

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Item Type:	Article
Title:	Regional expression of L-type calcium channel subunits during cardiac development
Creators Name:	Acosta, L., Haase, H., Morano, I., Moorman, A.F.M. and Franco, D.
Abstract:	The contraction of cardiomyocytes is initiated by the entrance of extracellular calcium through specific calcium channels. Within the myocardium, L-type calcium channels are most abundant. In the heart, the main pore-forming subunit is the {alpha}1C, although there is a larger heterogeneity on auxiliary {beta} subunits. We have analyzed the distribution pattern of different α1C and {beta} subunits during cardiac development by immunohistochemistry. We observed homogeneous expression of {alpha}1C and {beta} subunits within the early tubular heart, whereas regional differences are observed during the late embryogenesis. {beta}2 and {beta}4 show differential expression within the embryonic myocardium. {alpha}1C D1 displays only a transient enhanced expression in the ventricular conduction system. In adult heart, the expression of the different calcium channel subunits analyzed is homogeneous along the entire myocardium except for {alpha}1C D1 that is practically undetectable. These findings suggest that {beta} subunits might play a major role in conferring calcium handling heterogeneity within the developing embryonic myocardium, while {alpha}1C subunits might contribute just transiently.
Keywords:	Calcium Channel, Calcium Signaling, Heart Development, Immunohistochemistry, Animals, Mice
Source:	Developmental Dynamics
ISSN:	1058-8388
Publisher:	Wiley-Liss
Volume:	230
Number:	1
Page Range:	131-136
Date:	1 January 2004
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1002/dvdy.20023
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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