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. 1992 Oct;63(4):1146–1164. doi: 10.1016/S0006-3495(92)81670-3

Evaluation of cellular mechanisms for modulation of calcium transients using a mathematical model of fura-2 Ca2+ imaging in Aplysia sensory neurons.

H Blumenfeld 1, L Zablow 1, B Sabatini 1
PMCID: PMC1262252  PMID: 1420931

Abstract

A theoretical model of [Ca++]i diffusion, buffering, and extrusion was developed for Aplysia sensory neurons, and integrated with the measured optical transfer function of our fura-2 microscopic recording system, in order to fully simulate fura-2 video or photomultiplier tube measurements of [Ca++]i. This allowed an analysis of the spatial and temporal distortions introduced during each step of fura-2 measurements of [Ca++]i in cells. In addition, the model was used to evaluate the plausibility of several possible mechanisms for modulating [Ca++]i transients evoked by action potentials. The results of the model support prior experimental work (Blumenfeld, Spira, Kandel, and Siegelbaum, 1990. Neuron. 5: 487-499), suggesting that 5-HT and FMRFamide modulate action potential-induced [Ca++]i transients in Aplysia sensory neurons through changes in Ca++ influx, and not through changes in [Ca++]i homeostasis or release from internal stores.

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Selected References

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