视网膜水平细胞钙离子信号的调节与功能

Modulation and function of calcium signaling in retinal horizontal cells

钙离子是细胞内功能最为广泛的第二信使之一,在为数众多的细胞内信号通路中发挥作用。对细胞内钙离子分布、调控及功能的研究是我们了解细胞生理的重要途径。本文基于我们实验室对视网膜的研究工作,介绍了视网膜水平细胞中钙离子信号的调控与生理功能。

Calcium is one of the most versatile intracellular second messengers, which plays crucial roles in many intracellular signaling pathways. Researches on intracellular calcium distribution, regulation and function are important for our understanding of cellular physiology. In this mini-review, the regulation of intracellular calcium signal in retinal horizontal cells and the relevant physiological functions were introduced based on the experiments carried out in our laboratory. Intracellular calcium dynamics following the activation of AMPA and NMDA receptors were introduced based on our experiments performed on carp retinal horizontal cells using calcium imaging technique and computational methods. An initial peak response was observed in both cases, which indicated an active participation of intracellular calcium store during the calcium dynamics initiated by AMPA/NMDA receptor activation. Intracellular recording experiments indicated that calcium signaling was crucial for the gradual enhancement of the retinal horizontal cell＇s responsiveness in exposure to repetitive red flashes. Possible roles of intracellular calcium signaling in the regulation of GABA transporter activity were also introduced based on our whole-cell recording experiments performed on isolated carp retinal horizontal ceils.