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Related Concept Videos

Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration01:27

Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration

Calcium is an essential signaling molecule required for various cellular functions. Calcium pumps and ion channels on cell and organellar membranes, such as those on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), regulate calcium concentrations inside the cell. They remain closed, keeping the cytosolic calcium levels low at a resting state.
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Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm01:19

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The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...
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Related Experiment Video

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Applications of Spatio-temporal Mapping and Particle Analysis Techniques to Quantify Intracellular Ca2+ Signaling In Situ
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Calcium-associated mechanisms in gut pacemaker activity.

Shinsuke Nakayama1, Shunichi Kajioka, Kazunori Goto

  • 1Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan. h44673a@nucc.cc.nagoya-u.ac.jp

Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine
|November 6, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) function as gut pacemaker cells, driven by spontaneous intracellular calcium (Ca2+) activity. These Ca2+ oscillations in ICC are crucial for generating pacemaker potentials in the gastrointestinal tract.

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Published on: November 29, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Cell Physiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are recognized as the primary pacemaker cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
  • Their function is intrinsically linked to spontaneous electrical activity, which dictates gut motility.
  • c-Kit-immunoreactivity is a key marker for identifying ICC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the calcium (Ca2+)-associated mechanisms underlying the pacemaker function of ICC.
  • To elucidate the role of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in generating pacemaker potentials.
  • To explore these mechanisms within the GI tract and associated organs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Ca2+ signaling pathways in ICC.
  • Analysis of studies investigating c-Kit-positive cells and their electrophysiological properties.
  • Synthesis of evidence on Ca2+-dependent ion channels and their role in pacemaker activity.

Main Results:

  • Spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ activity in ICC is the principal driver of gut pacemaker function.
  • Cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in ICC periodically activate specific ion channels.
  • This activation leads to the generation of characteristic pacemaker potentials essential for GI motility.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium signaling is central to the pacemaker activity of interstitial cells of Cajal.
  • Understanding Ca2+-associated mechanisms in ICC is vital for comprehending GI physiology.
  • Further research into these pathways may offer insights into motility disorders.