Oscillations and waves of cytosolic calcium: insights from theoretical models. |
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Authors: | G Dupont A Goldbeter |
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Affiliation: | Faculté des Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. |
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Abstract: | Oscillations in cytosolic Ca2+ occur in a wide variety of cells, either spontaneously or as a result of external stimulation. This process is often accompanied by intracellular Ca2+ waves. A number of theoretical models have been proposed to account for the periodic generation and spatial propagation of Ca2+ signals. These models are reviewed and their predictions compared with experimental observations. Models for Ca2+ oscillations can be distinguished according to whether or not they rely on the concomitant, periodic variation in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Such a variation, however, is not required in models based on Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release. When Ca2+ diffusion is incorporated into these models, propagating waves of cytosolic Ca2+ arise, with profiles and rates comparable to those seen in the experiments. |
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