Calcium signalling in platelets and other cells

Reviewed are new concepts and models of Ca(2+) signalling originating from work with various animal cells, as well as the applicability of these models to the signalling systems used by blood platelets. The following processes and mechanisms are discussed: Ca(2+) oscillations and waves; Ca(2+) -induced Ca(2+) release; involvement of InsP(3)-receptors and quanta1 release of Ca(2+); different pathways of phospholipase C activation; heterogeneity in the intracellular Ca(2+) stores; store-and receptor-regulated Ca(2+) entry. Additionally, some typical aspects of Ca(2+) signalling in platelets are reviewed: involvement of protein serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases in the regulation of signal transduction; possible functions of platelet glycoproteins; and the importance of Ca(2+) for the exocytotic and procoagulant responses.