" ... This study focuses on caffeine-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations in sympathetic neurons. ... The aim of the study was to understand the mechanism responsible for the oscillations. As a starting point, [Ca2+]i relaxations were examined after membrane depolarization and exposure to caffeine. For both stimuli, post-stimulus relaxations could be described by the sum of two decaying exponential functions, consistent with a one-pool system in which Ca2+ transport between compartments is regulated by linear Ca2+ pumps and leaks. After modifying the store to include a [Ca2+]i-sensitive leak, the model also exhibits oscillations such as those observed experimentally. ... Thus, a one-pool model with a single [Ca2+]i-sensitive Ca2+ permeability is adequate to account for many of the quantitative properties of steady-state [Ca2+]i oscillations in sympathetic neurons. ..."
Model Type: Extracellular; Neuron or other electrically excitable cell
Model Concept(s): Calcium dynamics; Activity Patterns; Oscillations
Simulation Environment: CellML (web link to model)
References:
Friel DD. (1995). [Ca2+]i oscillations in sympathetic neurons: an experimental test of a theoretical model. Biophysical journal. 68 [PubMed]