Receptor-activated cytoplasmic Ca2+ spikes in communicating clusters of pancreatic acinar cells.
The transmission of receptor-generated cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals between communicating pancreatic acinar cells has been investigated by comparing patch-clamp recordings of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current in internally perfused single cells and small multi-cell clusters. Acetylcholine (50 nM) generates shortlasting repetitive spikes of Ca(2+)-dependent current and these spikes are not transmitted to neighbouring cells. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (5 pM) also generates repetitive spikes, but a significant proportion of these trigger longer and larger pulses of Ca(2+)-dependent current and these waves can easily spread from cell to cell. In pancreatic acinar units it is therefore possible to observe both local Ca2+ signals confined to the cell of its origin as well as Ca2+ signals that spread through communicating junctions to all cells in the unit.
Petersen
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MRC Secretory Control Research Group, University of Liverpool, UK.
Petersen
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D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002450:Cell Communication; D002766:Cholecystokinin / Q000494:pharmacology; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000502:physiology; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D051379:Mice; D010179:Pancreas / Q000502:physiology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D002766:Cholecystokinin; D000109:Acetylcholine; D002118:Calcium