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Official Full Name: solute carrier family 8 member A1
Also known as: NCX1
In cardiomyocytes, Ca(2+) concentrations alternate between high levels during contraction and low levels during relaxation. The increase in Ca(2+) concentration during contraction is mainly due to the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. However, some Ca(2+) also enters cells through the sarcolemma (plasma membrane). During relaxation, Ca(2+) is sequestered for intracellular storage. To prevent overloading of intracellular stores, calcium(2+) entering cells across the sarcolemma must be squeezed out of the cells. The Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger is the main mechanism by which Ca(2+) is extruded from the cell during relaxation. In the heart, swappers may play a key role in the action of digitalis. Exchangers are the primary mechanism by which cardiomyocytes return to their resting state after excitation.