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Biomedical subjects

C S Kim

Publications and source records attributed to C S Kim.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Intracellular calcium and the relationship to contractility in an avian model of heart failure.

Global contractile heart failure was induced in turkey poults by furazolidone feeding (700 ppm). Abnormal calcium regulation appears to be a key factor in the pathophysiology of heart failure, but the cellular mechanisms contributing to changes in calcium fluxes have not been clearly defined. Isolated ventricular myocytes from non-failing and failing hearts were therefore used to determine whether the whole heart and ventricular muscle contractile dysfunctions were realized at the single cell level. Whole cell current- and voltage-clamp techniques were used to evaluate action potential configurations and L-type calcium currents, respectively. Intracellular calcium transients were evaluated in isolated myocytes with fura-2 and in isolated left ventricular muscles using aequorin. Action potential durations were prolonged in failing myocytes, which correspond to slowed cytosolic calcium clearing. Calcium current-voltage relationships were normal in failing myocytes; preliminary evidence suggests that depressed transient outward potassium currents contribute to prolonged action potential durations. The number of calcium channels (as measured by radioligand binding) were also similar in non-failing and failing hearts. Isolated ventricular muscles from failing hearts had enhanced inotropic responses, in a dose-dependent fashion, to a calcium channel agonist (Bay K 8644). These data suggest that changes in intracellular calcium mobilization kinetics and longer calcium-myofilament interaction may be able to compensate for contractile failure. We conclude that the relationship between calcium current density and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release is a dynamic process that may be altered in the setting of heart failure at higher contraction rates.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Effects of the seafood toxin domoic acid on glutamate uptake by rat astrocytes.

Pronounced glutamic acid uptake was observed after only 15 min with glutamate concentrations of 60 nmol/mg protein when astrocytes were incubated with 1 mM glutamic acid. The uptake increased with time to a steady-state glutamate level of above 160 nmol/mg protein by 45 min. The uptake was energy dependent. Reduced temperature (0 degrees C) and ouabain (100 microM) inhibited uptake by 86.7% (P<0.001; n=18) and 84.4% (P<0.001; n=18), respectively, when compared with controls. After exposure of astrocytes to glutamate (1 mM) in the incubation medium, in the presence of domoic acid (10 and 100 microM) at 5 and 60 min, domoic acid (10 microM) elevated glutamate uptake by 64.0% (P<0.05; n=34) at 5 min but decreased glutamate uptake by 47.8% (P<0.01; n=19) at 60 min compared with controls. A higher dose of domoic acid (100 microM) decreased glutamate uptake by 49.6% (P<0.01; n=20) and 61.3% (P<0.001; n=20) at 5 and 60 min, respectively, compared with controls. This study suggests that domoic acid may induce neurotoxicity because of the failure of astrocytes to remove extracellular glutamate. This may contribute to excitotoxic injury.

Animals↗

Effect of Korea red ginseng on the blood pressure in conscious hypertensive rats.

The change of blood pressure and heart rate after intravenous injection of Korea red ginseng (KRG) were studied in the conscious normotensive and one-kidney, one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive (1K, 1C-GBH) rats. Crude saponin (CS) of KRG (50, 100 mg/kg i.v.) induced a hypotensive effect and bradycardia in a dose-dependent manner in the anesthetized rats. On the other hand, CS of KRG (100 mg/kg) induced a hypotensive effect and reflex tachycardia in the conscious rats. Saponin-free fraction (SFF) of KRG did not affect them in the anesthetized normotensive rats (P>.05). The maximal hypotensive effect by CS of KRG in the conscious 1K, 1C-GBH hypertensive rats and L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 40 mg/kg)-treated conscious hypertensive rats was not different from that of conscious normotensive rats (Delta 31.6+/-6.3, Delta 27.5+/-5.8 vs. Delta 26.7+/-4.3 mmHg, P>.05). However, pretreatment of L-NAME significantly inhibited the reflex tachycardia by CS of KRG (70.8+/-7.0 vs. 30.6+/-15.0 bpm, P<.05). Hemolysate-sensitive nitric oxide (NO) current by the CS of KRG was greater than that of the SFF of KRG (651.9+/-128.2 pA for CS and 164.9+/-92.5 pA for SFF, P<.001). These findings suggest that KRG has a hypotensive effect and its effect may be due to saponin fraction of KRG in the conscious rats. The releasing effect of NO of KRG, like NO donor, may be partly contributed to the hypotensive effect of KRG.

Animals↗

False positive head-up tilt: hemodynamic and neurohumoral profile.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined differences in mechanisms of head-up tilt (HUT)-induced syncope between normal controls and patients with neurocardiogenic syncope. BACKGROUND: A variable proportion of normal individuals experience syncope during HUT. Differences in the mechanisms of HUT-mediated syncope between this group and patients with neurocardiogenic syncope have not been elucidated. METHODS: A 30-min 80 degrees HUT was performed in eight HUT-negative volunteers (Group I), eight HUT-positive volunteers (Group II) and 15 patients with neurocardiogenic syncope. Heart rate and blood pressure (BP) were monitored continuously. Epinephrine and norepinephrine plasma levels, as well as left ventricular dimensions and contractility determined by echocardiography, were measured at baseline and at regular intervals during the test. RESULTS: The main findings of this study were the following: 1) All parameters were similar at baseline in the three groups; and 2) During tilt: a) the time to syncope was shorter in Group III than in group II (9.5 +/- 3 vs. 17 +/- 3 min p < 0.05); b) there was an immediate, persisting drop in mean BP in Group III; c) the decrease rate of left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions was greater in Group III than in Group II or Group I (-1.76 +/- 0.42 vs. -0.87 +/- 0.35 and -0.67 +/- 0.29 mm/min, respectively, p < 0.05); d) the leftventricular shortening fraction was greater in Group III than in the other two groups (39 +/- 1 vs. 34 +/- 1 and 32 +/- 1%, respectively, p < 0.05); and e) although the norepinephrine level remained comparable among the groups, there was a significantly higher peak epinephrine level in Group III than in Group II and Group I (112.3 +/- 34 vs. 77.6 +/- 10 and 65 +/- 12 pg/ml, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanisms of syncope during HUT appeared to be different in normal volunteers and patients with neurocardiogenic syncope. In the latter, there was evidence of an impaired vascular resistance response from the beginning of the orthostatic challenge. Furthermore, in the patients there was more rapid peripheral blood pooling, as indicated by the echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end-diastolic changes, leading to more precocious symptoms. In syncopal patients, the higher level of plasma epinephrine probably mediated the increased cardiac contractility and possibly contributed to the impaired vasoconstrictive response.

Adult↗

Psychometric study of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale: prediction of contact with the law and poor school attendance.

The predictive validity of the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) is investigated using the data set generated by the national evaluation of the demonstration service grants funded by the Center for Mental Health Services. Logistic regressions were performed separately for contact with the law and poor school attendance, which were both assessed at 6 months postintake. Other variables included in the model besides the CAFAS total score at intake were age, gender, and family risk factors. The results show that the CAFAS total score at intake was a positive predictor of the likelihood of contact with the law and poor school attendance, even after controlling for age, gender, and risk factors. Furthermore, the CAFAS total score was predictive even after excluding scores on CAFAS subscales, which may have been influenced by absenteeism or delinquency. These findings are consistent with recent research indicating that the CAFAS predicts recidivism in juvenile delinquents.

Adolescent↗

Effect of iron state on crystallization and dissolution in Fe2O3-CaO-SiO2 glasses.

The possibility of iron-containing glasses as thermoseeds for hyperthermia of bone tumor was reported previously. There is, however, no report about the effect of iron state on the crystallization of magnetite and the resultant properties. The iron states were determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy in Fe2O3-CaO-SiO2 system. It was found that the higher CaO content interrupts the crystallization of magnetite crystallites as well as the oxidation of iron, that is, the transformation from Fe3+ to Fe2+. A sample containing large amounts of Fe2+ showed the faster increment of temperature when the alternating magnetic field was applied. In order to use the thermoseed for a hyperthermia, we can say that the composition with low CaO content is most useful.

Journal Article↗

Prediction of the oculocardiac reflex from pre-operative linear and nonlinear heart rate dynamics in children.

This study was aimed to determine whether pre-operatively measured linear and nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability might predict the occurrence of the oculocardiac reflex (OCR) or other arrhythmia during strabismus surgery in children (n = 185, mean (SD) age = 8.09 (3.31) years). We compared time- and frequency-domain, and nonlinear dynamic indices of pre-operatively measured RR interval data between the OCR-positive group (maximum heart rate decrement = 20 beat.min-1 during the traction of extraocular muscle, n = 54), OCR-negative group (< 20 beat x min(-1), n = 78) and arrhythmia-positive group (all other arrhythmias; n = 53). pNN50, rMSSD, high-frequency power and nonlinear prediction error were significantly lower in the OCR-positive and arrhythmia-positive groups than in the OCR-negative group. Discriminant analysis using these indices could correctly identify 39/54 (72.2%) OCR-positive patients. Some pre-operatively measured indices of linear and nonlinear heart rate variability, especially when used in combination, are valuable for predicting significant bradycardia during strabismus surgery in children.

Adolescent↗

Expression of heat shock protein 72 in rat cochlea with cisplatin-induced acute ototoxicity.

Cisplatin ototoxicity is known to involve mainly the organ of Corti. Outer hair cells (OHCs). especially in the basal turn, are preferentially involved. One possible mechanism of ototoxicity might be alteration of the antioxidant system causing an increase in free radicals. It has been demonstrated that heat shock proteins (HSPs), which are believed to protect cells by dissolving and refolding misfolded or denatured protein are induced by various form of stress. HSP is also demonstrated to be induced by free radicals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate HSP 72 induction in cochlea following cisplatin injection in the animal model. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline as control or cisplatin at a dose of 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg. Cochleae were harvested 1, 3, 6 and 12 h after injection and compared with those of controls. Immunocytochemical study with surface preparation and Western blotting were performed to investigate the expression of HSP 72. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was also recorded to assess functional change according to the dosage of cisplatin and duration after injection. In the 5 and 10 mg/kg groups, immunostaining for HSP 72 in the OHCs reached a plateau level at 3 h, which was maintained until 12 h after injection. The amount of immunoreactive OHCs in the 20 mg/kg group was smaller than those in 5 and 10 mg/kg groups and declined after 6 h. The bands for HSP 72 became less intense as the cisplatin dosage increased from 5 to 10 and 20 mg/kg in Western blotting. The change in ABR threshold was small in the 5 and 10 mg/kg groups and a marked change in threshold was observed in the 20 mg/kg group. Detection of HSP 72 after cisplatin injection could confirm the OHCs as one of the major injured cells in the cochlea. With a lethal dosage of cisplatin (20 mg/kg), HSP 72 expression was less prominent and declined after 6 h.

Animals↗

Erythropoietic activity and soluble transferrin receptor level in neonates and maternal blood.

UNLABELLED: Serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentration reflects functional iron status and erythropoietic activity. The aims of this study were to examine gender differences of erythropoiesis in newborns and to evaluate the influences of maternal anaemia or iron deficiency on foetal cord blood parameters for iron status and sTfR. In total, 527 newborns and their mothers were examined. Reticulocytes were analysed by flow cytometry and sTfR was measured by an immunoenzymometric method. There were no sex differences in haematological or iron parameters. However, the reticulocyte maturity index (RMI) of male neonates was 37.45%, significantly higher than the 26.81% in female neonates (p <0.01). The high fluorescence reticulocytes (HFR) and middle fluorescence reticulocytes (MFR) of male neonates were 4.91% and 22.36%, respectively, while those of female neonates were 3.31% and 17.83%, respectively (p < 0.01 for each gender). The sTfR concentrations of male and female neonates were 6.27 mg/l and 5.09 mg/l, respectively (p < 0.01). Values for serum iron, ferritin and reticulocyte subpopulations were significantly lower in the newborns of anaemic mothers. However, newborns of iron-deficient mothers showed no differences in iron parameters from those of non-iron-deficient mothers. CONCLUSIONS: The higher values of RMI and sTfR observed in male neonates indicate that erythropoietic activity is higher in this group. Iron transport to the foetus appears to be independent of maternal iron deficiency. However, iron transport and erythropoiesis in newborns seems to decline from the time that the mothers acquire frank iron deficiency anaemia.

Anemia, Iron-Deficiency↗

Measurement of total lung deposition of inhaled ultrafine particles in healthy men and women.

Ultrafine particles (< 0.10 microm in diameter) are present in great number in polluted urban air, thus posing a potential health risk. In this study, the total deposition fraction (TDF) of ultrafine aerosols with a narrow size distribution (number median diameter NMD = 0.04-0.1 microm and geometric standard deviation sigma(g) = approximately 1.3) was measured in a group of young healthy adults (11 men and 11 women). TDF was obtained with 6 different breathing patterns: tidal volume (V(t)) of 500 ml at respiratory flow rates (Q) of 150 and 250 ml/s; V(t) = 750 ml at Q of 250 and 375 ml/s; and V(t) = 1 L at Q of 250 and 500 ml/s. Aerosols were monitored continuously by a modified condensation nuclei counter while subjects were inhaling them with prescribed breathing patterns. For a given breathing pattern, TDF increased as particle size decreased, regardless of the breathing pattern used. For example, with V(t) = 500 ml and Q = 250 ml/s, TDF (mean +/- SD) was 0.26 +/-.04, 0.30 +/-. 05, 0.35 +/-.05, and 0.44 +/-.07 for NMD = 0.10, 0.08, 0.06, and 0. 04 microm, respectively. For a given NMD, TDF increased with an increase in V(t) and a decrease in Q. TDF was greater for women than men at NMD = 0.04 microm within all breathing patterns used (p <.05), but the difference was smaller or negligible for larger sized particles. The results suggest that the TDF of ultrafine particles increases with a decrease of particle size and with breathing patterns of longer respiratory time, a pattern that is consistent with diffusion deposition of ultrafine particles. The results also suggest that there is a differential lung dose of ultrafine particles and thus there may be a differential health risk for men versus women.

Adult↗

Comparison of computer simulations of total lung deposition to human subject data in healthy test subjects.

A mathematical model was used to predict the deposition fractions (DF) of PM within human lungs. Simulations using this computer model were previously validated with human subject data and were used as a control case. Human intersubject variation was accounted for by scaling the base lung morphology dimensions based on measured functional residual capacity (FRC) values. Simulations were performed for both controlled breathing (tidal volumes [VT] of 500 and 1000 mL, respiratory times [T] from 2 to 8 sec) and spontaneous breathing conditions. Particle sizes ranged from 1 to 5 microns. The deposition predicted from the computer model compared favorably with the experimental data. For example, when VT = 1000 mL and T = 2 sec, the error was 1.5%. The errors were slightly higher for smaller tidal volumes. Because the computer model is deterministic (i.e., derived from first principles of physics), the model can be used to predict deposition fractions for a range of situations (i.e., for different ventilatory parameters and particle sizes) for which data are not available. Now that the model has been validated, it may be applied to risk assessment efforts to estimate the inhalation hazards of airborne pollutants.

Adult↗

Positioning of a double-lumen endobronchial tube without the aid of any instruments: an implication for emergency management.

BACKGROUND: Lung isolation and preservation of normal lung are the first lines of therapy in life-threatening massive hemoptysis. If bleeding continues but the side of origin is uncertain, use of a double-lumen tube (DLT) is reasonable. Utilizing a blind method to locate the bronchial cuff of a left-sided DLT without using any instrument, a DLT (Broncho-Cath, Mallinckrodt Medical Ltd., Athlone, Ireland) was successfully positioned without delay in a patient with massive hemoptysis, where auscultation could be misleading or useless and fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) was inapplicable. This study was performed to discern whether this blind method could substitute for FOB verification or auscultation in most circumstances where these two methods are unavailable or inapplicable. METHODS: After receiving informed consent and hospital ethics board approval, 58 elective thoracic surgical patients, aged 17 to 67 years, were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups. A conventional method using an FOB was used to locate the left-sided DLT in 29 patients (group 1). In the other 29 patients (group 2), the blind manual method was used. The left-sided DLT was inserted until some resistance was felt, at which time the bronchial cuff was inflated with approximately 2.0 mL of air. While gently holding the pilot with thumb and index finger of the nondominant hand, the DLT was slowly withdrawn until an abrupt decrease of pilot pressure was sensed. At that moment, the bronchial cuff was deflated, and the DLT was advanced approximately 1.5 cm; using an FOB, its position was checked by an independent observer not involved in positioning the DLT. Success was defined as the point when the proximal margin of the carina was within the margin of safety for the DLT, which is defined as the difference between the length of the left main bronchus and the length of the tube between the proximal margin of the left bronchial cuff and the left lumen tip. Postoperative FOB was performed to evaluate bronchial injury. RESULTS: In 26 of 29 patients (group 2), the position of the DLT was bronchoscopically confirmed to be a success. The other three cases were deemed to be too shallow; specifically, the bronchial cuffs were slightly herniated onto the carina (acceptable position). This method was more traumatic than FOB-guided DLT intubation (conventional method) (p = 0.001); however, the most severe damage was erosion. CONCLUSION: This method, which requires no specific instrument and no time-consuming technique, can be taught easily and may be used in a situation where the rapidity of lung isolation or collapse is the key to saving life. We conclude that this blind method can be an alternative to the FOB and/or auscultation for the positioning of DLT in an emergency situation.

Adolescent↗

Effects of beta-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus on ciliary activity of nasal epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the in vitro effects of staphylococcal beta-toxin on ciliary activity and the in vivo effects on sinusitis induction. STUDY DESIGN: The in vitro effects of staphylococcal beta-toxin on ciliary activity were investigated at different concentrations and exposure times. Experimental sinusitis was induced in rabbits with application of beta-toxin and confirmed 7 days later. METHODS: Ciliated epithelial cells were taken from the maxillary sinus mucosa of 10 rabbits. Five culture dishes from each rabbit were used for the experimental group, and one culture dish from each rabbit was used for the control group. In the experimental group, ciliary beat frequency (CBF) was measured at concentrations of 0.1, 1, 2, 5 and 10 U/mL of beta-toxin using a video-computerized analysis technique, while in the control group, culture medium containing no toxin was used. CBF was measured 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after administration of beta-toxin. To induce experimental sinusitis, 2 U/mL of beta-toxin was percutaneously applied to the maxillary sinus of 10 rabbits without occlusion of the natural ostium, while normal saline was percutaneously applied to the right-side maxillary sinus of 4 rabbits in the control group. At 7 days, mucosal membranes were taken from the inferomedial wall of the maxillary sinus for light microscopic study. RESULTS: CBF dropped significantly after an 8-hour incubation at 2, 5, and 10 U/mL of beta-toxin. No ciliary activity was observed after a 24-hour incubation at 2 and 5 U/mL and a 12-hour incubation at 10 U/mL of beta-toxin. Mucoid, purulent discharge was observed in the maxillary sinuses of the beta-toxin-applied group. Prominent epithelial disruption and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the epithelium and lamina propria were observed in the beta-toxin-applied group. CONCLUSIONS: Staphylococcal beta-toxin may reduce ciliary activity and induce sinusitis without occlusion of the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus in rabbits This study provides another animal model of sinusitis for understanding the pathogenesis of sinusitis induced by bacterial exotoxins.

Animals↗

SOS3 function in plant salt tolerance requires N-myristoylation and calcium binding.

The salt tolerance gene SOS3 (for salt overly sensitive3) of Arabidopsis is predicted to encode a calcium binding protein with an N-myristoylation signature sequence. Here, we examine the myristoylation and calcium binding properties of SOS3 and their functional significance in plant tolerance to salt. Treatment of young Arabidopsis seedlings with the myristoylation inhibitor 2-hydroxymyristic acid caused the swelling of root tips, mimicking the phenotype of the salt-hypersensitive mutant sos3-1. In vitro translation assays with reticulocyte showed that the SOS3 protein was myristoylated. Targeted mutagenesis of the N-terminal glycine-2 to alanine prevented the myristoylation of SOS3. The functional significance of SOS3 myristoylation was examined by expressing the wild-type myristoylated SOS3 and the mutated nonmyristoylated SOS3 in the sos3-1 mutant. Expression of the myristoylated but not the nonmyristoylated SOS3 complemented the salt-hypersensitive phenotype of sos3-1 plants. No significant difference in membrane association was observed between the myristoylated and nonmyristoylated SOS3. Gel mobility shift and (45)Ca(2)+ overlay assays demonstrated that SOS3 is a unique calcium binding protein and that the sos3-1 mutation substantially reduced the capacity of SOS3 to bind calcium. The resulting mutant SOS3 protein was not able to interact with the SOS2 protein kinase and was less capable of activating it. Together, these results strongly suggest that both N-myristoylation and calcium binding are required for SOS3 function in plant salt tolerance.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Aerosol transport and deposition in sequentially bifurcating airways.

Deposition patterns and efficiencies of a dilute suspension of inhaled particles in three-dimensional double bifurcating airway models for both in-plane and 90 deg out-of-plane configurations have been numerically simulated assuming steady, laminar, constant-property air flow with symmetry about the first bifurcation. Particle diameters of 3, 5, and 7 microns were used in the simulation, while the inlet Stokes and Reynolds numbers varied from 0.037 to 0.23 and 500 to 2000, respectively. Comparisons between these results and experimental data based on the same geometric configuration showed good agreement. The overall trend of the particle deposition efficiency, i.e., an exponential increase with Stokes number, was somewhat similar for all bifurcations. However, the deposition efficiency of the first bifurcation was always larger than that of the second bifurcation, while in general the particle efficiency of the out-of-plane configuration was larger than that of the in-plane configuration. The local deposition patterns consistently showed that the majority of the deposition occurred in the carinal region. The distribution pattern in the first bifurcation for both configurations were symmetric about the carina, which was a direct result of the uniaxial flow at the inlet. The deposition patterns about the second carina showed increased asymmetry due to highly nonuniform flow generated by the first bifurcation and were extremely sensitive to bifurcation orientation. Based on the deposition variations between bifurcation levels and orientations, the use of single bifurcation models was determined to be inadequate to resolve the complex fluid-particle interactions that occur in multigenerational airways.

Aerosols↗

Voltage-dependent calcium channels in ventricular cells of rainbow trout: effect of temperature changes in vitro.

Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) in ventricular myocytes from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated in vitro using the perforated patch-clamp technique, which maintains the integrity of the intracellular milieu. First, we characterized the current using barium as the charge carrier and established the doses of various pharmacological agents to use these agents in additional studies. Second, we examined the current at several physiological temperatures to determine temperature dependency. The calcium currents at 10 degrees C (acclimation temperature) were identified as L-type calcium currents based on their kinetic behavior and response to various calcium channel agonists and antagonists. Myocytes were chilled (4 degrees C) and warmed (18 and 22 degrees C), and the response of VDCC to varying temperatures was observed. There was no significant dependency of the current amplitude and kinetics on temperature. Amplitude decreased 25-36% at 4 degrees C (Q(10) approximately 1.89) and increased 18% at 18 degrees C (Q(10) approximately 1.23) in control, Bay K8644 (Bay K)-, and forskolin-enhanced currents. The inactivation rates (tau(i)) did not demonstrate a temperature sensitivity for the VDCC (Q(10) 1.23-1. 92); Bay K treatment, however, increased temperature sensitivity of tau(i) between 10 and 18 degrees C (Q(10) 3.98). The low Q(10) values for VDCC are consistent with a minimal temperature sensitivity of trout myocytes between 4 and 22 degrees C. This low-temperature dependency may provide an important role for sarcolemmal calcium channels in adaptation to varying environmental temperatures in trout.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Effects of temperature and calcium availability on ventricular myocardium from rainbow trout.

We studied the mechanical and electrophysiological properties of ventricular myocardium from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in vitro at 4, 10, and 18 degrees C from fish acclimated at 10 degrees C. Temperature alone did not significantly alter the contractile force of the myocardium, but the time to peak tension and time to 80% relaxation were prolonged at 4 degrees C and shortened at 18 degrees C. The duration of the action potential was also prolonged at 4 degrees C and progressively shortened at higher temperatures. An alteration of the stimulation frequency did not affect contraction amplitude at any temperature. Calcium influx via L-type calcium channels was increased by raising extracellular calcium concentration (¿Ca(2+)(o)) or including Bay K 8644 (Bay K) and isoproterenol in the bathing medium. These treatments significantly enhanced the contractile force at all temperatures. Calcium channel blockers had a reverse-negative inotropic effect. Unexpectedly, the duration of the action potential at 10 degrees C was shortened as ¿Ca(2+)(o) increased. However, Bay K prolonged the plateau phase at 4 degrees C. Caffeine, which promotes the release of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium, increased contractile force eightfold at all three temperatures, but the SR blocker ryanodine was only inhibitory at 4 degrees C. Our results suggest that contractile force in ventricular myocardium from Oncorhynchus mykiss is primarily regulated by sarcolemmal calcium influx and that ventricular contractility is maintained during exposure to a wide range of temperatures.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗