Aging enhances the calcium sensitivity of central neurons of the mouse as an adaptive response to reduced free intracellular calcium.
Age-related changes in Ca(2+)-homeostasis have been investigated in mechanically dissociated neurons from young and aged mice. In aged animals, basal intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) was significantly reduced and depolarization (KCl)-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was lower, probably as a result of increased activation of Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms terminating Ca2+ influx. Additionally, depolarization-induced inositol-phosphate (IP) accumulation in aged animals was found to be significantly increased. Both findings suggest that Ca(2+)-dependent intracellular processes become more sensitive to Ca2+ in aged animals due to decreased Ca2+ availability.
Hartmann
H
H
Department of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, FRG.
Eckert
A
A
Müller
W E
WE
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D007295:Inositol Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology; D015290:Second Messenger Systems
D007295:Inositol Phosphates; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D002118:Calcium