2 ROLES FOR CAVEOLAE IN THE CARDIAC MYOCYTE

The presence of caveolae in many cell types including heart myocytes i s well established. It is hypothetised that caveolae may play a role i n the storing of excess Ca2+ and may be instrumental in Ca2+ transient s during contraction and relaxation in pathological conditions. Furthe rmore, the presence of substances in caveolae and in their membranes m ay imply a role in the importing and exporting of key molecules under physiological and pathological conditions, Secretory activity is also suggested by an electron micrograph of rat heart muscle.