Ionized concentrations in Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ buffers must be measured, not calculated

McGuigan, John A.S.; Kay, James W.; Elder, Hugh Y. (2020). Ionized concentrations in Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ buffers must be measured, not calculated. Experimental physiology, 105(3), pp. 427-437. Wiley-Blackwell 10.1113/EP088345

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New findings: What is the topic of this review? The [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] in buffers are usually calculated using one of eight programs. These all give different values, thus [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] must be measured. What advances does it highlight? The ligand optimization method (LOM) using electrodes is an accurate method to do this. The limitations of the method are described. The LOM has been generalized to include calibration of fluorochromes and aequorin. It is the method of choice to measure intracellular equilibrium constants. Owing to the uncertainties for the values of resting [Ca2+ ], ∆[Ca2+ ] and the pK' values for intracellular Ca2+ /Mg2+ binding used in modelling, these values must now be re-examined critically.

Abstract: Modelling intracellular regulation of Ca2+ /Mg2+ is now an established part of physiology. However, the conclusions drawn from such studies depend on accurate knowledge of intracellular [Ca2+ ], ∆[Ca2+ ] and the pK' values for the intracellular binding of Ca2+ /Mg2+ . Calculation of [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] in buffers is normal. The eight freely available programs all give different values for the [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] in the buffer solutions, varying by up to a factor of 4.3. As a result, concentrations must be measured. There are two methods to do this, both based on the ligand optimization method (LOM): (1) calibration solutions from 0.5 to 4 mmol l-1 ; and (2) calibration solutions from 0.1 µmol l-1 to 2 mmol l-1 . Both methods can be used to calibrate Ca2+ /Mg2+ electrodes. Only Method 2 can be used directly to calibrate fluorochromes and aequorin. Software in the statistical program R to calculate the [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] in buffers is provided for both methods. The LOM has now been generalized for use with electrodes, fluorochromes and aequorin, making it the ideal method to determine the pK' values for intracellular binding of Ca2+ /Mg2+ . The [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] in buffers must be measured routinely, which is best done by calibrating electrodes with the LOM and software written in R. If [Ca2+ ]/[Mg2+ ] in buffers are calculated, the parameters used in modelling show the same degree of variability as the software programs. Uncritical acceptance of such parameters means that conclusions reached from such studies are relative, not absolute, and must now be re-examined.

Item Type:

Journal Article (Review Article)

Division/Institute:

04 Faculty of Medicine > Pre-clinic Human Medicine > Institute of Physiology

UniBE Contributor:

McGuigan, John A.S.

Subjects:

600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health

ISSN:

1469-445X

Publisher:

Wiley-Blackwell

Language:

English

Submitter:

Stefan von Känel-Zimmermann

Date Deposited:

19 May 2020 17:20

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 15:38

Publisher DOI:

10.1113/EP088345

PubMed ID:

31758871

BORIS DOI:

10.7892/boris.144036

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/144036

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