[The role of intra- and extracellular calcium sources in the rhythmic inotropic regulation of isometric contractions in the chick embryo myocardium].

Isometric contractions and force-frequency relationships (FFR) were assessed in isolated ventricular preparations of 3- and 4-day chick embryos (EM) and posthatched (PH) chicks. Pacing protocols for the FFR assessment were applied in normal buffer, buffer with 50% and 25% of normal Na+ concentration, and in buffer with ryanodine. PH myocardium showed greater peak force and more prominent FFR than EM. 50% low Na+ superfusion induced positive inotropic effect and increase in the FFR in PH and EM. 25% low Na+ superfusion induced negative inotropic effect and suppressed FFR more prominent in EM. Ryanodine more suppressed FFR in PH myocardium. The observed age-dependent differences substantiate the fact that Na-Ca exchange plays a leading role in the FFR regulation in early embryonic myocardium and sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a leading role in PH myocardium.