Cytoplasmic free calcium measured by quin2 fluorescence in isolated ventricular myocytes at rest and during potassium-depolarization.

We have measured intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in rat and guinea pig ventricular myocytes using the fluorescent Ca2+-indicator quin2. Our results indicate a resting concentration in heart cells that is considerably lower than previous estimates. The mean value of 137 nM for rat ventricle that we have recorded is consistent with the hypothesis that resting intracellular [Ca2+] is controlled by a voltage-dependent, sarcolemmal exchange mechanism. Furthermore, we show that activation of plasma membrane Ca2+-channels is involved when intracellular free Ca2+ increases in response to K+-depolarization.