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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
10:35
Two-photon Calcium Imaging in Neuronal Dendrites in Brain Slices
Published on: March 15, 2018
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Endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores in dendritic spines.
Menahem Segal1, Eduard Korkotian1
1Department of Neurobiology, The Weizman Institute Rehovot, Israel.
Frontiers in Neuroanatomy
|July 30, 2014
Summary
Calcium stores, particularly ryanodine receptors, play a vital role in synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. Their complex functions in neurons are increasingly recognized, impacting brain health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- The precise role of calcium stores in dendritic spine structure, function, and plasticity remains debated.
- Neuronal calcium handling involves complex, overlapping systems including channels, pumps, and transporters.
- Differential compartmentalization and receptor activation of calcium stores across neuronal types complicate analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted roles of calcium stores in neuronal function.
- To examine the involvement of calcium stores in synaptic plasticity, development, stress, and neurodegenerative diseases.
- To highlight the significance of specific calcium store types, such as ryanodine receptors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing decades of research on neuronal calcium handling.
- Analysis of studies investigating calcium stores in various physiological and pathological conditions.
- Focus on the contribution of different calcium store types and their locations.
Main Results:
- Increasing evidence supports a crucial role for calcium stores in synaptic plasticity.
- Ryanodine receptor calcium stores are particularly implicated in neuronal survival.
- Calcium stores influence neuronal development, stress responses, and neurodegeneration.
Conclusions:
- Calcium stores are critical regulators of synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival.
- Understanding calcium store dynamics is essential for addressing neurological disorders.
- Ryanodine receptors represent a key target for therapeutic interventions.
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