Figure 2.

Differential spread of calcium waves in mammalian astrocyte cultures. A. Following stimulation of mammalian astrocytes, Ca⁺² waves had spread farther in telencephalic (Telen; *, p<0.0001, n=10) than in diencephalic cultures (Dien; n=10) after 90 seconds of propagation. B-C. The spread of Ca⁺² waves in the telencephalic cultures (B) was radial and more synchronous than in the diencephalic cultures (C), where waves spread irregularly. Two representative waves from each group indicate the area of wave spread in 5-second intervals (shades of gray) from touch stimulation site (black area). Calcium waves among diencephalic astrocytes made hairpin turns (arrow) and unequal advances of the wave front (arrowheads). These features were not seen in telencephalic cultures. Bar equals 200 μm.