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Calcium wave Cells, in this case astrocytes (a type of supporting cell in the brain), communicate with each other by a variety of electrical and chemical signals. A common signal is a wave of rising calcium concentration that is passed from cell to cell. This may convey information such as 'Make more energy!' or 'Synthesize these proteins!' An astrocyte in the top left corner has been gently stimulated by touching it with a glass pipette. The ensuing wave of calcium rapidly alerts cells to the nearby mechanical stimulus. Then change in colour and brightness signals the calcium wave as it passes through the cells. The astrocytes were grown in culture, and confocal images taken using a x63 objective. Cells were loaded with the fluorescent calcium-sensitive dye, fluo-3. Images were taken on a Zeiss LSM510 Confocal Microscope. Professor Michael Duchen and Dr Eric
Boitier. |
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