TRANSVERSE TUBULAR STRUCTURE IN SKELETAL MUSCLE DEFECTS: MICE, CONTRACTION

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We are studying the structure of the transverse tubular system in mice defective in excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal muscle. In skeletal and cardiac muscle, electrical excitation of the plasma membrane causes L-type Ca channels to open. This event triggers a further Ca release from intracellular stores. This Ca release causes muscle contraction. Most of the L-type Ca channels are found in the transverse tubular system, a continuous network invaginations of the surface membrane. We would like to be able to map out the pattern of the t-tubule system in skeletal and cardiac muscle throughout development. We have attempted this using single photon techniques in our laboratory and were not satisfied with the resolution or depth penetration that we obtained. We will use the multiphoton imaging facilities at the IMR in order to get more information out of our specimens.