Differential calcium signalling in neuronal-glial networks.
Calcium ions are the probably the most ancient, the most universal and omnipresent intracellular signalling molecules, which are involved in regulation of a host of cellular functional reactions. In the nervous system Ca2+ signalling is intimately involved in information transfer and integration within neural circuits. Local Ca2+ signals or Ca2+ microdomains control neurotransmitter release; more global Ca2+ signals regulate synaptic strength and accomplish postsynaptic processing. In the glial syncytium Ca2+ ions provide for glial "Ca2+ excitability", convey long-range signalling by means of propagating Ca2+ waves and control the release of gliotransmitters. Differential Ca2+ signals in various elements of neural circuits represent therefore molecular mechanisms of integration in the nervous system.
Verkhratsky
Alexei
A
Institute of Experimental Medicine, ASCR, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic. alex.verkhratsky@manchester.ac.uk
Anderova
Miroslava
M
Chvatal
Alexandr
A
D020013:Calcium Signaling; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents