Changes of tension and [Ca2+]i during β-adrenoceptor activation of single, intact fibres from mouse skeletal muscle

beta-Adrenergic agonists increase tension production in fast-twitch skeletal muscle, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. In the present study we have exposed intact, single fibres from a mouse muscle to the beta 2-adrenergic agonist terbutaline. Fibres were stimulated to produce 350-ms tetani at 20-100 Hz while measuring the myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and tension. The fluorescent indicator Indo-1 was used to measure [Ca2+]i. Application of terbutaline resulted in marked increases of both tetanic [Ca2+]i and tension. Terbutaline had no significant effect on myofibrillar function as judged from normal Ca2+ sensitivity and tension production at saturating [Ca2+]i. The rate of [Ca2+]i and tension decline during relaxation was not affected by terbutaline, thus indicating a normal function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ pumps. The effect of terbutaline developed gradually over 5-10 min when fibres were stimulated each minute; the full effect of terbutaline was also obtained after a 10-min rest period in terbutaline. The [Ca2+]i at rest was not affected by terbutaline. In conclusion, beta-adrenergic stimulation increases tetanic tension by enhancing SR Ca2+ release.