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Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Patch-clamp Capacitance Measurements and Ca2+ Imaging at Single Nerve Terminals in Retinal Slices
Published on: January 19, 2012
Pharmacology of capacitative calcium entry
1Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH, PO Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA. putney@niehs.nih.gov
Abstract:
The versatility of Ca(2+) as a messenger in multiple signaling events requires that the concentration of calcium ions within the cytoplasm be highly regulated. In particular, the release of calcium from intracellular stores must often be linked to calcium influx across the cell membrane. Capacitative calcium entry, whereby the depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores induces the influx of extracellular calcium, is a crucial element of concerted calcium signaling. Investigations into the phenomenon are contributing to a new appreciation for the organized cytoplasmic framework that supports calcium signaling.
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