5-Hydroxytryptamine stimulates net Ca2+ flux in the ventricular muscle of a mollusc (Busycon canaliculatum) during cardioexcitation.

Noninvasive, self-referencing calcium (Ca2+) electrodes were used to study the mechanisms by which 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) affects net Ca2+ flux across the sarcolemma of myocytes from ventricular trabeculae (from a marine gastropod, Busycon canaliculatum). Treatment of isolated trabeculae with 5-HT causes a net Ca2+ efflux, which is 30% blocked by verapamil. These findings suggest that the efflux is in part the result of a previous Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels and is due to a rapid Ca2+ extrusion mechanism inherent to the sarcolemma of these myocytes. 5-HT-induced net Ca2+ efflux is also reduced by about 40% by treatment with a sodium (Na+)-free, lithium (Li+)-substituted saline, which shuts down the Na-Ca exchanger during Ca2+ extrusion. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase, almost completely abolishes the 5-HT-induced net Ca2+ efflux, suggesting that the SR rather than the extracellular pool is the primary Ca2+ reservoir serving 5-HT-induced excitation.