Similar Ca2+ dependences of [3H]ryanodine binding to alpha- and beta-ryanodine receptors purified from bullfrog skeletal muscle in an isotonic medium.

To understand the functions of the two ryanodine receptor isoforms (alpha- and beta-RyRs) in nonmammalian skeletal muscles, we determined [3H]ryanodine binding to these isoforms purified from bullfrog skeletal muscle. In 0.17 M-NaCl medium both isoforms demonstrated similar Ca2+ dependent ryanodine binding activities, while the Ca2+ sensitivity for activation of beta-RyR was increased in 1 M-NaCl medium. This enhancement in Ca2+ sensitivity depended on the kinds of salts used. These results imply that alpha- and beta-RyRs may have similar properties as Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release channels in bullfrog skeletal muscle.