Na/Ca exchange
Herchuelz, A.
Bulletin et Memoires de l'Academie Royale de Medecine de Belgique 151(1) 125-131; Discussion: 131-134
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-8231 PMID: 8963256 Document Number: 455702
Na/Ca exchange is an important regulatory mechanism of the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration in most cells. This transporter, localized at the level of the plasma membrane, represents with the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase, one of the two systems allowing active Ca2+ extrusion from the cells. Renewed interest for this system comes from recent advances in the molecular biology of the exchanger and the identification of the major role played by the exchanger in Ca2+ extrusion from cardiac cells. These recent progresses may allow a better understanding of the role played by Na/Ca in Physiology and in Physiopathology, e.g. in cardiac ischemia.