Intracellular Ca2+ fluctuations modulate the rate of neuronal migration

Neuron. 1996 Aug;17(2):275-85. doi: 10.1016/s0896-6273(00)80159-2.

Abstract

Transient elevations of intracellular Ca2+ levels play critical roles in neuronal development, but such elevations have not been demonstrated in migrating neurons. Here, we show that the amplitude and frequency components of Ca2+ fluctuations are correlated positively with the rate of granule cell movement in cerebellar microexplant cultures. Moreover, depression of the amplitude and frequency components of Ca2+ fluctuations by blockade of Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane results in a reversible retardation of cell movement. These results indicate that the combination of amplitude and frequency components of intracellular Ca2+ fluctuations may provide an intracellular signal controlling the rate of neuronal cell migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / physiology*
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured / cytology
  • Cells, Cultured / metabolism
  • Cerebellum / cytology
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Neurons / chemistry
  • Neurons / cytology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Calcium