What is the Role of Ryanodine Receptors in Muscle Contraction?
In skeletal and cardiac muscle, ryanodine receptors are essential for excitation-contraction coupling. In skeletal muscle, RyR1 is activated by direct interaction with dihydropyridine receptors (DHPR) in the T-tubules, leading to rapid calcium release and muscle contraction. In cardiac muscle, RyR2 is activated by the influx of calcium through L-type calcium channels, triggering further calcium release and contraction.
