Modeling plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum excitability in pituitary cells

John Rinzel, Joel Keizer, Yue Xian Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The response of gonadotrophs to secretagogues involves dose-dependent, complex dynamic patterns of electrical activity and inositol 1, 4, 5- trisphosphate (Ins P3)-induced Ca2+ mobilization, including pulsatility and oscillations on multiple time scales from milliseconds to minutes. Detailed in vitro experiments have enabled the identification of key mechanisms that underlie the plasma membrane (PM) electrical excitability and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium excitability. We summarize these findings and review computer simulations of a biophysical model that resynthesizes and couples these components and that reproduces quantitatively the observed time courses and dose-response characteristics, as well as effects of various pharmacological manipulations. The theory suggests that cytosolic calcium is the primary messenger in coordinating the PM and ER regenerative behaviors during ER depletion and refilling.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)388-393
Number of pages6
JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism
Volume7
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

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