The role of L-type calcium current in the generation of repolarization-induced contraction in cardiac myocytes

OBJECTIVE: Early experiments into the arrhythmogenic transient inward current frequently showed apparent coupling of this current to repolarization from a depolarizing voltage clamp step. Calcium transients have subsequently been shown to couple to such repolarization and are the result of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. We have investigated whether this phenomenon is due to calcium entry via non-inactivated calcium channels or to voltage-activated SR release. METHODS: Voltage clamp steps were imposed on isolated guinea pig and rabbit cardiac myocytes. Calcium release was monitored by tracking cell contraction. L-type calcium current at the moment of repolarization was manipulated by the rapid application of 2 mM cadmium or 10 mM calcium. RESULTS: Repolarization-induced contraction was abolished by the rapid application of 2 mM cadmium immediately prior to repolarization, and was augmented by the rapid change of extracellular calcium concentration from 2 mM to 10 mM immediately prior to repolarization. There is no evidence of coupling of drive train-induced aftercontractions to repolarization from the final action potential of the drive train and 2 mM cadmium does not alter the appearance or timing of these aftercontractions. Simulation of phase 1 repolarization in the mammalian cardiac action potential decreases rather than increases twitch amplitude. CONCLUSION: Repolarization-induced contraction results from calcium entry through non-inactivated calcium channels, not from voltage-activated release. It plays no physiological role in contributing to the stimulated twitch and no pathological role in generating drive train-induced aftercontractions.