Mechanism involved in initiation and propagation of receptor-induced intercellular calcium signaling in cultured rat astrocytes.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms involved in the initiation and the propagation of intercellular calcium signaling (calcium waves) were studied in cultured rat astrocytes. The analysis of calcium waves, induced either by mechanical stimulation or by focal application of ionomycin, indicated that initiation was dependent on the presence of external calcium. In addition, pharmacological experiments indicate that intercellular propagation required PLC activation, integrity of IP3-sensitive internal calcium stores, and functional gap junctions. An extracellular action of ATP or glutamate and participation of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels were tested by using enzymatic degradation, receptor antagonists, and channel blockers, respectively. Because neither the speed of propagation nor the extent of the calcium w

SUBMITTER: Venance L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6793756 | biostudies-literature | 1997 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature