Cardiac myocyte plasma membrane

The **cardiac myocyte membrane**—more accurately termed the *sarcolemma* of the cardiac myocyte or cardiomyocyte—is the specialized plasma membrane that surrounds each heart muscle cell. This structure is essential for maintaining the ionic gradients necessary for generating action potentials and enabling excitation–contraction coupling in heart tissue[1][3][5]. The sarcolemma contains various ion channels (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium channels), pumps, and exchangers that regulate electrical activity and contraction. It also forms deep invaginations called T-tubules that facilitate rapid transmission of action potentials into the cell’s interior[3][5]. The sarcolemma is distinct from specific drug targets like receptors or enzymes; it is a complex cellular boundary rather than a single protein or molecular entity. **Note:** "Cardiac myocyte membrane" is not considered a canonical therapeutic target itself but rather refers to an anatomical structure composed of many different proteins. Individual components within this membrane—such as specific ion channels or receptors—are recognized drug targets in cardiovascular pharmacology. Therefore, this entry should be marked as incorrect if used as a standalone therapeutic target name[1][3]. > “In cardiomyocytes and skeletal muscle cells, the sarcolemma (i.e., the plasma membrane) forms deep invaginations known as T-tubules... These invaginations increase total surface area and allow depolarization of the membrane to penetrate quickly to the interior...”[3] > “Like all muscle fibers, cardiac muscle fibers (myocytes) contract in response to an electrical signal (action potential) in the cell membrane... Specific features of the cell membrane... are responsible for transmitting electrical signals into the interior...”[1]

Other names

Sarcolemma of cardiac myocyteCardiac muscle cell membraneCardiomyocyte plasma membrane