The seasonal peculiarities of force-frequency relationships in active ground squirrel Spermophilus undulatus ventricle

The plasticity of calcium homeostasis is of crucial importance for the unique ability of the hibernators' heart to function under conditions of body temperature changing from 37 °C to near freezing point. However, the precise mechanism of calcium homeostasis regulation in these animals is largely unknown. Force-frequency relationship, as an indicator of participation of various sources of calcium (external and intracellular) in the activation of contraction, and post-rest potentiation as an index of the capacity of sarcoplasmic reticulum (intracellular calcium source) to store and release Ca2+, were studied to analyse the role of different calcium-transporting systems in seasonal and temperature-induced changes in isometric twitch force of ground squirrel papillary muscles. The obtained results revealed significant functional differences during the annual cycle, which are indicative of an increased role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in regulation of contractility in animals in transition to the hibernation period. Also, how myocardium during the hibernation period copes functionally with acute decreases in temperature was investigated.