Effect of Hypoxia on Ca2+ Concentration in Broiler's Cardiac Muscle Cells

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of hypoxia on the Ca2+ concentration in broiler's cardiac muscle cells (CMCs). The concentration of Ca2+ in the CMC was observed using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). The results showed that hypoxia could significantly increase intracellular Ca2+ (normal oxygen, 99.3 ± 13.1; hypoxia, 129.4 ± 24.3, P<0.01) in CMCs. The Ca2+ antagonist (nifedipine, verapamil) could significantly restrain the Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane of CMC treated by hypoxia (CMC: hypoxia + verapamil, 100.9±28.2; hypoxia + nifedipine, 107.6±27.7; P<0.01). The results showed hypoxia could increase intracellular Ca2+ concentration of CMC, and the Ca2+ antagonist could restrain the Ca2+ influx across the cell membrane of CMC treated by hypoxia.