Development of the myocardial contractile system.

Recent studies regarding developmental changes in the myocardial contractile system from fetal, newborn, and adult animals are reviewed. From the data obtained so far, we conclude that in the early fetus myocardial contraction is mainly dependent on Ca which enters via the sarcolemma. Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum is minimal. The role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum as a source of contractile Ca increases and the role of Ca influx across the sarcolemma in contractile system decreases with development.