Ca(2+) signaling in dendritic spines

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2001 Jun;11(3):349-56. doi: 10.1016/s0959-4388(00)00218-x.

Abstract

Dendritic spines are cellular microcompartments that are isolated from their parent dendrites and neighboring spines. Recently, imaging studies of spine Ca(2+) dynamics have revealed that Ca(2+) can enter spines through voltage-sensitive and ligand-activated channels, as well as through Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Relationships between spine Ca(2+) signals and induction of various forms of synaptic plasticity are beginning to be elucidated. Measurements of spine Ca(2+) concentration are also being used to probe the properties of single synapses and even individual calcium channels in their native environment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels / physiology
  • Calcium Signaling / physiology*
  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Dendrites / physiology*
  • Dendrites / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating
  • Ion Transport
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Purkinje Cells / cytology
  • Purkinje Cells / physiology
  • Pyramidal Cells / cytology
  • Pyramidal Cells / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Mutant Strains
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate