| | |  | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | |
| Amplitude distribution of calcium sparks in confocal images: Theory and studies with an automatic detection method |
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| Author(s): Cheng H, Song LS, Shirokova N, Gonzalez A, Lakatta EG, Rios E, Stern MD |
| Source: BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL Volume: 76 Issue: 2 Pages: 606-617 Published: FEB 1999 |
| Times Cited: 150 References: 33 |
| Abstract: Determination of the calcium spark amplitude distribution is of critical importance for understanding the nature of elementary calcium release events in striated muscle. In the present study we show, on general theoretical grounds, that calcium sparks, as observed in confocal line scan images, should have a nonmodal, monotonic decreasing amplitude distribution, regardless of whether the underlying events are stereotyped. To test this prediction we developed, implemented, and verified an automated computer algorithm for objective detection and measurement of calcium sparks in raw image data. When the sensitivity and reliability of the algorithm were set appropriately, we observed highly left-skewed or monotonic decreasing amplitude distributions in skeletal muscle cells and cardiomyocytes, confirming the theoretical predictions. The previously reported modal or Gaussian distributions of sparks detected by eye must therefore be the result of subjective detection bias against small amplitude events. In addition, we discuss possible situations when a modal distribution might be observed. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: Cheng, H (reprint author), NIA, NIH, Ctr Gerontol Res, Cardiovasc Sci Lab, 5600 Nathan Shock Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA |
Addresses:
1. NIA, NIH, Ctr Gerontol Res, Cardiovasc Sci Lab, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
2. Rush Univ, Dept Mol Biophys & Physiol, Chicago, IL 60612 USA |
| Publisher: BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY, 9650 ROCKVILLE PIKE, BETHESDA, MD 20814-3998 USA |
| Subject Category: Biophysics |
| IDS Number: 162VZ |
| ISSN: 0006-3495 |
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