There are two major approaches in this study of the structural and mechanical properties of single isolated heart cells. The first method will use the properties of fluorescent antibodies that are specific to the microfilaments of heart cells to determine filament location and mechanical function within the heart cells. In this regard, the large resting tension of heart muscle remains unexplained and these microfilaments are excellent candidates for this function. In addition it is possible that radially oriented elastic elements (also microfilaments) may resist the expansion of heart cells as the heart contracts and thus limit the degree of shortening of the heart fibers. In the whole animal these two factors would affect both the filling of the heart and the degree of emptying and thus could be important factors in pathological states. In the second phase of the study, following the development of more stable transducers and control devices we will emphasize studies of the force-length and force velocity characteristics of the single intact cell that relate directly to more classical studies of heart function.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL030828-03
Application #
3341831
Study Section
Physiology Study Section (PHY)
Project Start
1983-07-01
Project End
1988-06-30
Budget Start
1985-07-01
Budget End
1986-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095