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Updated: Jan 28, 2026
Single-Cell Calcium Imaging for Studying the Activation of Calcium Ion Channels
Published on: December 13, 2024
The interaction of SiO2 nanoparticles with the neuronal cell membrane: activation of ionic channels and calcium
Carla Distasi1, Marianna Dionisi1, Federico Alessandro Ruffinatti1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale 'A. Avogadro', Via Bovio 6, 28100 Novara, Italy.
Aim:
To clarify the mechanisms of interaction between SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and the plasma membrane of GT1-7 neuroendocrine cells, with focus on the activation of calcium-permeable channels, responsible for the long lasting calcium influx and modulation of the electrical activity in these cells.
Materials & Methods:
Nontoxic doses of SiO2 NPs were administered to the cells. Calcium imaging and patch clamp techniques were combined with a pharmacological approach.
Results:
TRPV4, Cx and Panx-like channels are the major components of the NP-induced inward currents. Preincubation with the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine strongly reduced the [Ca2+]i increase.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that SiO2 NPs directly activate a complex set of calcium-permeable channels, possibly by catalyzing free radical production.
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