The properties of a ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channel (receptor) in non-excitable cells like exocrine cells or epithelial cells are described in this review. The ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release from the microsomal vesicles is activated by Ca2+, caffeine, ryanodine or cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) and is inhibited by ruthenium red or higher concentrations (> or =100 microM) of ryanodine. The properties are similar to those of excitable cells such as muscle cells or neuronal tissues. In some non-excitable cells, the Ca2+ release induced by caffeine, ryanodine or cADPR is stimulated by calmodulin (CaM) or FK506. Kd values of [3H]ryanodine binding to the receptor protein range from 6 to 17 nM and are similar to those of a high-affinity binding site in skeletal or cardiac muscle. Maximum binding capacities (Bmax) range from 40 to 620 fmol/ mg protein and are 10 approximately 200-fold lower than those for a high-affinity binding site in skeletal muscle. Caffeine, adenine nucleotide AMP-PCP, Mg2+, ruthenium red or FK506 affects the binding. In some non-excitable cells, the ryanodine receptor (RyR) isoform RyR2 or RyR3 is expressed and has been identified. However, unlike for excitable cells, information concerning the RyR proteins, including binding sites for modulators like CaM and phosphorylation sites has not yet been obtained.

Related Articles