Calcium Ions in Nerve Cell Function

Calcium ions play a central role in regulating the activity of all cells, and particularly their ability to respond to external stimuli. Their role in the triggering of impulses in nerve cells is the subject of intensive study. This book discusses aspects of this important area of research.

In this book, Professor Kostyuk reviews the progress that has been made in recent years in understanding the mechanisms by which calcium ions regulate nerve cell function. He covers all aspects of the topic, from the interaction of calcium ions with the external surface of the plasma membrane, to the function of transient changes in cytoplasmic calcium concentration. A major part of the book is devoted to a discussion of the different types of receptor- and voltage-operated calcium channels, and the basis of their selectivity, gating, inactivation, and pharmacological modulation. Professor kostyuk then describes the development of calcium conductance during ontogenesis, before discussing the fate of calcium ions in the cell. He assesses the contribution made by the release of calcium from internal stores to cytoplasmic calcium transients, and analyses mechanisms by which this release may be controlled.The first book in the Oxford Neuroscience Series, Calcium Ions in Nerve Cell Function meets the need for a comprehensive book drawing together the enormous body of research on this important topic. It has been written with a wide audience of neuroscientists in mind: it will be indispensable to specialists in the field, but will also provide an accessible review for non-specialists.