Identification and modeling of calcium dynamics in cardiac myocytes

Abstract

Calcium plays an essential role as a messenger and as a factor in cardiac contraction. In the present study, a model for Ca²⁺ handling in cardiac cells is presented. After the identification of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) parameters, the SERCA pump and ryanodine channels activities, a comparison is made between experimental and calculated responses. The model's parameters were identified using optimization methods. This identification is based on the response of the digitonin permeabilized cells. The model deals with the dynamics of the calcium exchange between the different compartments of the cell. Cell compartments involved are the SR, the cytosol and the extra-cellular medium. The different components of the mathematical models are discussed and compared. The modeling and simulation are run within Ψlab,¹ a freeware for modeling and simulation of dynamic systems.