Ana M. Landeira-Fernandez, Ph.D.
- Title
- Associate Professor
- Department
- Center for Health Sciences
- Institution
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
- Address
- Departamento de Bioqu�mica M�dica, Bl E-sl 38
- City
- Rio de Janeiro
- [email protected]
- Research field
- Physiology; cell biology
- Award year
- 2001
Research
Our research aims to compare the enzyme activity of Ca2 + - ATPase , from the sarcoplasmic reticulum/ endoplasm of skeletal and cardiac muscle of endothermic fish (blue marlin) and ectothermic (trout) at different temperatures. This enzyme plays a key role during excitation-contraction of muscle. During the process of muscle contraction, the concentration of cytoplasmic Ca2 + increases about 1,000 times, promoting muscle contraction. The basal levels of Ca2 + in the cytoplasm are restored due to the activity of this enzyme, which is responsible for active transport of Ca2 + from the cytoplasm into the sarcoplasmic reticulum at the expense of ATP hydrolysis, which promotes muscle relaxation.