Regulation of the cross-bridge transition from a weakly to strongly bound state in skinned rabbit muscle fibers.

The regulation of cross-bridge transition from weakly attached to force-bearing states was studied at 10 degrees C in skinned muscle fibers by measuring the rate of force development after a quick release-restretch cycle (ktr), the rate of force decline (kPi) after photogeneration of Pi from caged Pi, and stiffness in the presence and absence of an inhibitor of strong cross-bridge formation, 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). Both BDM and Pi suppressed force more than stiffness. However, reduction of Ca2+ suppressed force and stiffness in a parallel fashion. Both ktr and kPi were reversibly reduced (by 30-35%) in 3 mM BDM, but both were increased by increasing Pi concentration. Reduction of Ca2+ concentration to match the force seen in 3 mM BDM had no effect on kPi but decreased ktr by 85%. These results are inconsistent with cross-bridge models undergoing the transition from a weakly bound to a force-generating state in a single step but are consistent with a model having two steps, one of which is controlled by pCa.