High resolution microfluorometry of Ca2+ signalling in dendrites and spines of central neurons

Jpn J Physiol. 1993:43 Suppl 1:S131-7.

Abstract

Using an upright microscope and an interface type slice chamber for epifluorometric imaging of fura-2 injected neurons in brain slice is particularly convenient to obtain good spatial resolution. Using this approach we found that muscarinic activation uncouples K-channel activation from intradendritic Ca and that postsynaptic spines represent independent compartments for Ca-activated processes when activated synaptically.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / physiology*
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Fluorometry
  • Fura-2
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hippocampus / cytology*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Hippocampus / physiology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Potassium Channels / physiology
  • Pyramidal Cells / metabolism
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / drug effects
  • Receptors, Muscarinic / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synapses / physiology

Substances

  • Potassium Channels
  • Receptors, Muscarinic
  • Calcium
  • Fura-2