[Calcium signals in blood cells]

Stimulation of blood cells by binding of agonists to receptors initiates cellular calcium signals. The signals appear as transient increases of the cytosolic concentration of ionized calcium. The signals influence secretion, adhesion, phagocytosis, movements and proliferation of the blood cells. The calcium signals are controlled by other signalling systems that regulate calcium transporting devices located in the plasma membrane and the membranes that surround the cellular calcium stores. Calcium ions are transported through channels, pumps, or exchangers located in the cellular membranes. Several calcium transporters are subjected to cellular feedback mechanisms. A few pathological disorders of the calcium signal system are known.