Changes in the intracellular Ca2+concentration(Ca2+signals)regulate a myriad of cel functions.However,our understanding of Ca2+signaling is still incomplete,and many cell functions that are regulated by Ca2+signals remain to be elucidated.We have been trying to findnew physiological and pathophysiological cell functions that are regulated by Ca2+signals in the brain.Furthermore,in order to analyze Ca2+signaling in living animals,we have developed an in vivo Ca2+imaging method in mice.Such imaging method allowed us to compare neuronal and astrocytic Ca2+signals.Combining the in vivo imaging method and cell type-specific inhibition of Ca2+signaling,we have obtained new insight into the functional interaction between neurons and astrocytes.I would like to summarize our recent findings that have been obtained in our in vivo Ca2+imaging studies.We have also found that nitric oxide(NO)induces Ca2+release through S-nitrosylation of the ryanodine receptor intracellular Ca2+release channel in neurons.Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of this mechanism ameliorates neuronal cel death fol owing status epilepticus in mice.These studies have shown new physiological and pathophysiological roles of Ca2+signaling in the brain,and provided us with new therapeutic targets.
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