Modulation of cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ and Na+ transport by taurine in heart cells

The effect of taurine on the different types of ionic currents appears to depend on [Ca](o) and [Ca](i) and may also vary accordingly to tissue or cell type studied. Using microfluorometry and Ca2+ imaging techniques, short-term exposure (5-10 min) of single heart cells to taurine was found to increase total intracellular free Ca2+ in a concentration-dependent manner. However, long-term exposure of heart myocytes to taurine was found to decrease both nuclear and cytosolic Ca2+ without significantly changing either nuclear or cytosolic Na+ levels, as measured by 3-dimensional Ca2+ and Na+ confocal imaging techniques. Long-term exposure to taurine was found to prevent cytosolic and nuclear increases of Ca2+ induced by permanent depolarization of heart cells with high [K](o). This preventive effect of taurine on nuclear Ca2+ overload was associated with an increase of both cytosolic and nuclear free Na+. Thus, the effect of long-term exposure to taurine on intranuclear Ca2+ overload in heart cells seems to be mediated via stimulation of sarcolemmal and nuclear Ca2+ outflow through the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger.