Cardiac myocardial cell membrane

The cardiac myocardial cell membrane, commonly referred to as the sarcolemma, is the specialized plasma membrane surrounding cardiac muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) [1, 4]. It serves as a critical interface for excitation-contraction coupling, housing a complex network of ion channels, transporters, and receptors that regulate the electrical activity and contractile force of the heart [1, 3]. Key components embedded within this lipid bilayer include voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, various potassium channels, and the sodium-potassium pump (Na+/K+-ATPase), which together maintain the resting membrane potential and generate action potentials [3, 4]. In pathological states such as myocardial infarction or heart failure, the structural integrity of the sarcolemma is often compromised, leading to the leakage of intracellular proteins like troponins into the systemic circulation, which serve as gold-standard clinical biomarkers for cardiac injury [2]. While the sarcolemma itself is a multi-component cellular structure rather than a single molecular therapeutic target, it is the primary site of action for a wide range of cardiovascular drugs, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and antiarrhythmic agents [3]. Understanding the sarcolemma's composition and its remodeling during disease is essential for developing therapies that stabilize cardiac rhythm and improve myocardial function [1, 3]. Sources: [1] StatPearls, "Physiology, Cardiac Muscle" (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537113/) [2] NIH, "Cardiac Biomarkers" (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545211/) [3] PubMed, "Ion channels of the sarcolemma" (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11566057/) [4] Wikipedia, "Sarcolemma" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarcolemma)

Other names

SarcolemmaCardiomyocyte membraneMyocardial plasma membraneCardiac cell membrane

Modulation of membrane-bound ion channels (sodium, potassium, calcium), transporters (Na+/K+-ATPase), and G protein-coupled receptors to regulate cardiac rhythm, excitability, and contractility.