1997/03/01 by Michael J. Berridge · 2 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · #Calcium signaling and nucleotide metabolism #Ion channel regulation and function #Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
paper · doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1997.sp021927
openalex publication_date 1997/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Calcium is a ubiquitous second messenger used to regulate a wide range of cellular processes. This role in signalling has to be conducted against the rigid homeostatic mechanisms that ensure that the resting level of Ca2+ is kept low (i.e. between 20 and 100 nmol l−1) in order to avoid the cytotoxic effects of a prolonged elevation of [Ca2+]. Cells have evolved a sophisticated signalling system based on the generation of brief pulses of Ca2+ which enables this ion to be used as a messenger, thus avoiding its toxic effects. Such Ca2+ spikes usually result from the coordinated Summary release of Ca2+ from internal stores using either inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or ryanodine receptors. Using Ca2+ imaging techniques, the opening of individual channels has now been visualized and models have been proposed to explain how these elementary events are coordinated to generate the global Ca2+ signals that regulate cellular activity. Key words: calcium, inositol trisphosphate, ryanodine receptors, calcium-induced calcium release, sparks, puffs, waves.