Imaging Ca2+ signals in Xenopus oocytes.
Xenopus oocytes have become a favored preparation in which to study the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Advantages of the oocyte as a model cell system include its large size, lack of intracellular Ca2+ release channels other than the type 1 inositol trisphosphate receptor, and ease of expression of foreign receptors and channels. We describe the use of high-resolution fluorescence imaging techniques to visualize Ca2+ signals in Xenopus oocytes at levels ranging from global Ca2+ waves to single-channel Ca2+ microdomains.
Dargan
Sheila L
SL
Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, McGaugh Hall, University of California Irvine, USA.
Demuro
Angelo
A
Parker
Ian
I
D000818:Animals; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D009865:Oocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014982:Xenopus laevis