Numerical Simulation of Diffusion of Second Messengers cGMP and Ca~(2+) in Rod Photoreceptor Outer Segment of Vertebrates

摘要

A crucial step in the process of phototransduction, whereby light is converted into an electrical response in retinal rod and cone photoreceptors, involves interaction and diffusion of cytoplasmic signaling molecules, termed second messengers, in the cytosol. A computational model for the interaction and diffusion of the second messengers (cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate and Calcium) during the activation phase of phototransduction in retinal rod cells is described and results of numerical simulations are presented.