Modulation and function of calcium signaling in retinal horizontal cells / 生理学报

ABSTRACT

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 cells.