皮质酮对原代培养的海马神经元及其Ca~(2+)/CaMKII的影响

在培养液中加入 10 7、10 6和 10 5浓度(mol/L)的皮质酮,采用MTT染色测定、Fura 2 /AM的荧光标记以及Western印迹的方法,观察了不同浓度的皮质酮作用下海马神经元形态学和细胞存活率的变化以及胞浆内游离钙离子浓度 [Ca2+ ]i和CaMKII表达的变化规律, 探讨其对原代培养的大鼠海马神经元及其Ca2+ /CaMKII的影响和可能的机制。结果发现: 10 6、10 5浓度的皮质酮对海马神经元的形态学影响较大,与对照组比较,细胞存活率明显降低; [Ca2+ ]i分别为 113. 1022±16. 9716、155.3794±20. 7727;CaMKII的表达也明显减少;三者的变化均显著 (P<0. 01 ),而 10 7浓度的皮质酮对上述指标影响不大 (P>0.05)。此外,相关性分析表明: [Ca2+ ]i和CaMKII的表达呈现负相关(P<0. 05)。以上结果提示,皮质酮对大鼠海马神经元的作用存在浓度依赖效应,浓度越高,对大鼠海马神经元的损伤越大,同时也验证了皮质酮是啮齿类动物的主要的应激激素。     

NMDAR1单克隆抗体抑制谷氨酸诱导的大鼠海马神经元Ca2+内流

目的观察人N-甲基-D-门冬氨酸受体(NMDAR,NR)主亚基(NR1)单克隆抗体mAbN1对谷氨酸诱导的大鼠海马神经元Ca2 内流的影响。方法建立谷氨酸介导的大鼠海马神经元兴奋毒性损伤模型,以mAbN1及MK-801分别预处理海马神经元,用Fluo-3/AM法,在激光扫描共聚焦显微镜下观察对细胞内游离Ca2 浓度([Ca2 ]i)的影响。结果mAbN1能显著抑制谷氨酸所致海马神经元[Ca2 ]i升高,此作用强于MK-801,且其本身对生理状态下神经元[Ca2 ]i无影响。结论mAbN1的抗兴奋毒性作用可能是通过改变NR的蛋白质二级结构从而影响兴奋毒性作用中的Ca2 内流实现的。     

外源性锌对缺氧神经元的保护作用

目的:观察不同浓度外源性锌对神经元细胞内游离钙([Ca2 ]i)的影响,探讨低浓度外源性锌对于缺氧神经元保护作用的可能机制.方法:原代培养大鼠皮层神经元,加入不同浓度的外源性锌,激光扫描共聚焦显微镜检测神经元[Ca2 ]i的变化;建立细胞缺氧模型,检测10 μmol/L外源性锌对于缺氧神经元[Ca2 ]i和[Zn2 ]i的影响.结果:神经元的[Ca2 ]i,μmol/L锌组与对照相比无明显变化;100μmol/L锌组一过性升高,后降至对照水平;500 μmol/L锌组,明显高于对照水平.除正常加锌组外,其余各组神经元[Zn2 ]i和[Ca2 ]i均较正常对照组增高;但正常加锌组、缺氧加锌组神经元[Zn2 ]i和[Ca2 ]i均较缺氧组降低.结论:外源性锌对于神经元的作用随浓度而不同;10 μmol/L外源性锌维持了神经元的钙稳态,它对于缺氧神经元的保护作用,可能通过抑制钙超载实现.     

皮质酮对原代培养的海马神经元及其Ca2+/CaMKⅡ的影响

在培养液中加入10-7、10-6和10-5浓度(mol/L)的皮质酮,采用MTT染色测定、Fura-2/AM的荧光标记以及Western印迹的方法,观察了不同浓度的皮质酮作用下海马神经元形态学和细胞存活率的变化以及胞浆内游离钙离子浓度[Ca2+]i和CaMKII表达的变化规律,探讨其对原代培养的大鼠海马神经元及其Ca2+/CaMKII的影响和可能的机制.结果发现10-6、10-5浓度的皮质酮对海马神经元的形态学影响较大,与对照组比较,细胞存活率明显降低;[Ca2+]i分别为113.1022±16.9716、155.3794±20.7727;CaMKII的表达也明显减少;三者的变化均显著(P＜0.01),而10-7浓度的皮质酮对上述指标影响不大(P＞0.05).此外,相关性分析表明[Ca2+]i和CaMKII的表达呈现负相关(P＜0.05).以上结果提示,皮质酮对大鼠海马神经元的作用存在浓度依赖效应,浓度越高,对大鼠海马神经元的损伤越大,同时也验证了皮质酮是啮齿类动物的主要的应激激素.     

人参皂苷Rg1对吗啡依赖海马神经元胞内游离钙离子浓度的影响

目的探讨人参皂苷Rg1对吗啡依赖海马神经元胞内游离钙离子浓度（intracellular free Ca^2＋ concentration,[Ca^2＋]i）的影响。方法采用荧光钙离子指示剂Fluo-3／AM,利用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜观察低剂量（1μmol／L）、中剂量（10μmol／L）、高剂量（100μmol／L）人参皂苷R暑。处理吗啡依赖原代培养大鼠海马神经元后[Ca^2＋]i的改变。结果低、中、高剂量人参皂苷Rg1单独处理海马神经元前后并没有引起胞内[Ca^2＋]i的显著改变（P〉0．05）,而吗啡依赖海马神经元胞内[Ca^2＋]i较正常海马神经元细胞明显增高（P〈0．01）。此外,低、中、高剂量人参皂苷R翱处理吗啡依赖海马神经元细胞后,均能显著抑制胞内[Ca^2＋]i的升高（P〈0．01）,并呈剂量依赖性,照。剂量越大,抑制作用越明显（P〈0．01）。结论人参皂苷Rg1可以抑制吗啡依赖海马神经元细胞内[Ca^2＋]i的增高,对吗啡的成瘾性具有明显的拮抗作用,为合理安全有效地应用人参戒毒提供了实验依据。     

急性给予ApoE4升高大鼠皮层神经元内静息[Ca~(2+)]i

目的研究载脂蛋白E(ApoE)对大鼠皮层神经元内游离钙离子水平[Ca2+]i的影响。方法用激光共聚焦显微镜(LSCM)和Fluo-3/AM荧光探针标记检测皮层神经元钙信号瞬间动态变化;用N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(NMDA)受体阻断剂MK-801观察ApoE4对其影响。结果ApoE4可以呈时间及浓度依赖性升高神经元内静息[Ca2+]i(P<0.01或P<0.05),MK-801可以部分阻断ApoE4所致的静息[Ca2+]i升高(P<0.05或P<0.01);而ApoE3无影响。结论急性给予ApoE4能升高神经元内静息[Ca2+]i,NMDA受体的激活可能参与了ApoE4所致的胞内钙信号改变与其神经毒作用。     

慢性强迫游泳应激抑郁模型大鼠海马钙离子浓度和c-fos表达的改变

目的:观察慢性强迫游泳应激模型大鼠海马区[Ca2+]i和c-fos/Fos的变化,探讨慢性应激抑郁症与海马相关的发病机制。方法:选用雄性成年Wistar大鼠80只,将大鼠随机分为正常对照组(n=19)、急性对照组(n=12)和模型组(n=49),建立慢性强迫游泳应激抑郁模型,通过糖水偏好实验和开场实验对大鼠进行行为学测试。采用荧光分光光度法测定海马内[Ca2+]i浓度,免疫印迹技术和逆转录-聚合酶链式反应检测Fos和c-fos的表达变化。结果:与正常对照组大鼠相比较:(1)模型组大鼠相对糖水消耗量、糖水偏好百分比、直立次数和体重增长率均降低(P0.01,P0.05);(2)模型组大鼠各个时间点海马神经元[Ca2+]i增高(P0.01);(3)模型组大鼠海马Fos在应激后(0.5,1,2,4h)表达增强(P0.01),c-fosmRNA在应激后(0.5,1,2,4h)转录增强(P0.01)。与急性对照组相比较,模型组Fos蛋白表达高峰提前,表达量降低(P0.05)。结论:海马[Ca2']i及c-fos/Fos的表达变化,可能参与了抑郁症的发病过程。     

氯化钴预处理减轻缺氧复氧后大鼠海马神经元的凋亡

目的　研究氯化钴 (CoCl2 )预处理对大鼠海马神经元缺氧 复氧后凋亡的影响及其机制。　方法　用CoCl2 处理原代培养大鼠海马神经元 ,并使其暴露于无氧环境。用TUNEL染色法和激光共聚焦显微镜分别检测缺氧后细胞凋亡率以及细胞线粒体膜电位和胞内游离钙。　结果　CoCl2 预处理明显减少海马神经元在缺氧 复氧后的凋亡数 ,并对急性缺氧期间海马神经元的细胞内Ca2 +浓度和线粒体膜电位具有稳定作用。　结论　CoCl2 预处理对急性缺氧引起的海马神经元凋亡可能具有保护作用 ,其机制可能与其稳定缺氧时细胞内Ca2 +浓度和线粒体膜电位有关。     

皮质酮对原代培养的海马神经元及其[Ca2+]i和钙/钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ表达的影响

目的:探讨皮质酮(CORT)对培养的海马神经元及其[Ca2 ]i和钙/钙调蛋白依赖性蛋白激酶Ⅱ(CaMKⅡ)表达的影响和可能的机制。方法:海马神经元被分为不同终浓度的CORT处理组、CORT MK-8 0 1或高浓度葡萄糖组。采用MTT法、流式细胞术、荧光标记和免疫细胞化学法,观察海马神经元活力、死亡方式[、Ca2 ]i和CaMKⅡ表达的变化规律。结果:1 0-6和1 0-5mol/L CORT组,其海马神经元的活力明显降低,分别以凋亡和坏死为主,并使海马神经元[Ca2 ]i显著升高;CaMKⅡ的表达明显减少。MK-8 0 1和高浓度葡萄糖均能拮抗1 0-6mol/L CORT对海马神经元的损伤作用。结论:在CORT的作用下,海马神经元发生凋亡和坏死;[Ca2 ]i升高可能既是海马神经元损伤的结果,又是引起其发生凋亡和CaMKⅡ表达下降的原因。     

4-氨基吡啶对皮层神经元细胞内游离钙的影响

目的研究4-氨基吡啶(4-AP)对体外培养的皮层神经元细胞内游离钙浓度([Ca2+]i)的影响,了解4-AP的药理学作用机制.方法荧光探针Fluo-3-AM标记体外培养的皮层神经细胞内游离钙后,用共聚焦显微镜观察记录4-AP及L型谷氨酸对小鼠原代培养的皮层神经元[Ca2+]i的影响.结果4-AP与谷氨酸均能提高[Ca2+]i,两者峰值与持续时间存在差异,共同作用于细胞时的上升曲线与单用谷氨酸时相仿.结论4-AP的药理作用机制可能与提高神经细胞[Ca2+]i有关,其中机制与兴奋性氨基酸的[Ca2+]i升高作用可能不同.     

Role of Na+/H+ exchangers, excitatory amino acid receptors and voltage-operated Ca2+ channels in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120-mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+ in human neurons and astrocytes.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) dementia is the commonest form of dementia in North American people less than 60 years of age. HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 has been implicated in the neurotoxicity observed in, and the pathogenesis of, HIV-1 dementia. Recombinant gp120 (gp120) was pressure-applied on to cultured human fetal neurons and astrocytes and, by using single-cell calcium imaging, we determined the mechanisms responsible for gp120-induced increases in the levels of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Significant dose-related increases in [Ca2+]i were observed in neurons and astrocytes. In neurons, 5 pM gp120 increased [Ca2+]i by 290+/-13 nM and increases of 2210+/-211 nM were found at 209 nM, the highest concentration of gp120 tested. The apparent EC50 value for gp120 of 223+/-40 pM in neurons was not significantly different from that in astrocytes. Immunoelution of gp120 with polyclonal anti-gp120 and Ca2+-free conditions blocked increases in [Ca2+]i by gp120. Increases in [Ca2+]i were significantly (P < 0.005) attenuated by the Na+/H+ exchange blocker 5-(N-methyl-N-isobutyl)-amiloride in neurons and astrocytes. The L-type calcium channel blockers nimodipine, diltiazem and CdCl2 + NiCl2 significantly (P < 0.005) reduced increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons, but not astrocytes. Increases in [Ca2+]i by gp120 were not significantly affected by blockers of N-, P- and Q-type calcium channels. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), memantine and dizocilpine significantly (P < 0.01) lowered gp120-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons. AP5 and memantine, but not dizocilpine, significantly (P < 0.01) reduced increases in [Ca2+]i by gp120 in astrocytes. Gp120 appears to activate astrocyte Na+/H+ exchangers to release glutamate and potassium and, subsequent to this, increases in [Ca2+]i in neurons and astrocytes result from activation of excitatory amino acid receptors on astrocytes and neurons, and voltage-operated calcium channels on neurons. Drugs that block gp120-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in neurons and astrocytes may help in the treatment of HIV-1 dementia.     

Changes in calcium signalling in dorsal horn neurons in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Intracellular calcium signalling was studied in the dorsal horn from neurons of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes versus control animals. The cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured in Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester-loaded dorsal horn neurons from acutely isolated spinal cord slices using a fluorescence technique. The recovery of depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i increase was delayed in diabetic neurons compared with normal animals. In normal neurons, [Ca2+]i after the end of KCl depolarization recovered to the basal level monoexponentially with a time constant of 8.0+/-0.5 s (n = 23), while diabetic neurons showed two exponentials in the [Ca2+]i recovery. The time constants of these exponentials were 7.2+/-0.5 and 23.0+/-0.6 s (n = 19), respectively. The amplitude of calcium release from caffeine-sensitive endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores became significantly smaller in diabetic neurons. The amplitudes of [Ca2+]i transients evoked by 30 mM caffeine were 268+/-29 nM (n = 13) and 31+/-9 nM (n = 17) in control and diabetic neurons, respectively. We conclude that streptozotocin-induced diabetes is associated with prominent changes in the mechanisms responsible for [Ca2+]i regulation, which presumably include a slowdown of Ca2+ elimination from the cytoplasm by the endoplasmic reticulum.     

Effects of long-term acidification of extracellular pH on ATP-induced calcium mobilization in rabbit lens epithelial cells

ATP-induced calcium (Ca2+) mobilization was investigated in rabbit lens epithelial cells that had been cultured in a medium with pH of 7.4 (group 1), 7.2 (group 2), or 7.0 (group 3) for 10 to 21 d. Intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i and pH (pHi) were measured by using fluorescent dyes, fura-2 and BCECF, respectively. The long-term acidification decreased the pHi to 7.15 +/- 0.01, from 7.22 +/- 0.01, in group 2 and to 7.09 +/- 0.01 in group 3. The administration of 10 micromol/l ATP produced an initial peak followed by a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i in the lens cells of group 1. Both the initial peak and the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i were enhanced in groups 2 and 3. The initial peak was abolished by pretreatment with 1 micromol/l thapsigargin, an ER Ca2+ pump inhibitor, but was not affected by the removal of extracellular Ca2+. On the other hand, the sustained increase was suppressed either by the thapsigargin treatment or by the Ca2+ removal. Treatment with only thapsigargin caused a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i that was greater in group 3 than in group 1. These results suggest that (1) the ATP-induced initial peak in [Ca2+]i is due to Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores, (2) the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i is mediated through either Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space or Ca2+ release from the store triggered by the Ca2+ influx, and (3) long-term, moderate acidification enhances both the initial peak and the sustained increase in [Ca2+)]i in rabbit lens epithelial cells. One possible mechanism of the ATP-induced Ca2+ influx seems to be a capacitative Ca2+ entry pathway.     

Age-related upregulation of insulin-like growth factor receptor type I in rat cerebellum

The perfusion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) induces long-term potentiation (LTP) in CA1 synapses of hippocampal slices, whereas the perfusion of ATP plus ,-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5) can result in the formation of long-term depression (LTD). To clarify the difference in change of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) corresponding to induction of LTP or LTD, we measured [Ca2+]i during the perfusion of ATP or ATP+AP5, while simultaneously recording evoked field potentials. In both cases, ATP (or ATP+AP5) perfusion transiently increased [Ca2+]i but the extent of increase of [Ca2+]i by ATP was larger than that caused by ATP+AP5. Thus, the larger rise in [Ca2+]i induces LTP but the smaller rise induces LTD. These results are consistent with the Ca2+ hypothesis as proposed by Lisman (Trends Neurosci. 17 (1994) 406).     

Calcium signaling in cold cells studied in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Thermosensitive cold cells were identified in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons from newborn rats. The neurons were loaded with a calcium indicator, Fura-PE3, and the change in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of the neurons was measured with microfluorimetry. Thirteen per cent of the cells responded to the cold stimulation. The diameter of the responder cells was 16.3+/-3.2 microm (mean+/-S.D., n = 25). The lowering of the temperature from 35 degrees C to 20 degrees C increased [Ca2+]i from 59.6+/-10.6 nM to 203.4+/-14.8 nM (n = 25). The [Ca2+]i response was dependent on the intensity of the cold stimulation. The depletion of extracellular Ca2+ diminished the Ca2+ elevation. However, a Na(+)-free condition did not influence the response. We concluded that the cold stimulation opens Ca2(+)-permeable channels in putative cold cells from dorsal root ganglion neurons.     

Activation of neurotransmitter release in hippocampal nerve terminals during recovery from intracellular acidification.

Intracellular pH may be an important variable regulating neurotransmitter release. A number of pathological conditions, such as anoxia and ischemia, are known to influence intracellular pH, causing acidification of brain cells and excitotoxicity. We examined the effect of acidification on quantal glutamate release. Although acidification caused only modest changes in release, recovery from acidification was associated with a very large (60-fold) increase in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in cultured hippocampal neurons. This was accompanied by a block of evoked EPSCs and a rise in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). The rise in mEPSC frequency required extracellular Ca2+, but influx did not occur through voltage-operated channels. Because acidic pH is known to activate the Na+/H+ antiporter, we hypothesized that a resulting Na+ load could drive Ca2+ influx through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger during recovery from acidification. This hypothesis is supported by three observations. First, intracellular Na+ rises during acidification. Second, the elevation in [Ca2+]i and mEPSC frequency during recovery from acidification is prevented by the Na+/H+ antiporter blocker EIPA applied during the acidification step. Third, the rise in free Ca2+ and mEPSC frequency is blocked by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blocker dimethylbenzamil. We thus propose that during recovery from intracellular acidification a massive activation of neurotransmitter release occurs because the successive activation of the Na+/H+ and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in nerve terminals leads to an elevation of intracellular calcium. Our results suggest that changes in intracellular pH and especially recovery from acidification have extensive consequences for the release process in nerve terminals. Excessive release of glutamate through the proposed mechanism could be implicated in excitotoxic insults after anoxic or ischemic episodes.     

Regulation of action potential size and excitability in substantia nigra compacta neurons: sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine

Application of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist (1S, 3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) or the selective group I mGluR agonist (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) depolarized both CA3 and CA1 pyramidal cells in guinea pig hippocampal slices. Simultaneous recordings of voltage and intracellular Ca2+ levels revealed that the depolarization was accompanied by a biphasic elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i): a transient calcium rise followed by a delayed, sustained elevation. The transient [Ca2+]i rise was independent of the membrane potential and was blocked when caffeine was added to the perfusing solution. The sustained [Ca2+]i rise appeared when membrane depolarization reached threshold for voltage-gated Ca2+ influx and was suppressed by membrane hyperpolarization. The depolarization was associated with an increased input resistance and persisted when either the transient or sustained [Ca2+]i responses was blocked. mGluR-mediated voltage and [Ca2+]i responses were blocked by (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG) or (S)-4-carboxy-3-hydroxyphenylglycine (4C3HPG). These data suggest that in both CA3 and CA1 hippocampal cells, activation of group I mGluRs produced a biphasic accumulation of [Ca2+]i via two paths: a transient release from intracellular stores, and subsequently, by influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. The concurrent mGluR-induced membrane depolarization was not caused by the [Ca2+]i rise.     

Prevention of age-related dysregulation of calcium dynamics by estrogen in neurons

To determine the impact of aging and 17beta-estradiol on neuronal Ca2+ homeostasis, intracellular Fura-2 Ca2+-imaging was conducted during 20-pulses of glutamate in hippocampal neurons cultured from embryonic (E18), middle-age (10 months) and old (24 months) rat brain. Marked age-related differences in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) homeostasis and striking regulation by 17beta-estradiol were seen. Embryonic neurons exhibited the greatest capacity to regulate Ca2+ homeostasis followed by middle-age neurons. In old neurons, the first peak [Ca2+]i was substantially greater than at other ages and the return to baseline Ca2+ rapidly dysregulated with an inability to restore [Ca2+]i following the first glutamate pulse which persisted throughout the 20 pulses. 17beta-Estradiol pretreatment of old neurons profoundly attenuated the peak [Ca2+]i rise and delayed the age-associated dysregulation of baseline [Ca2+]i, normalizing responses to those of middle-age neurons treated with estradiol. The efficacy of 17beta-estradiol extended below 10 pg/ml with full protection against toxicity from glutamate and Abeta (1-40). These results demonstrate age-associated dysregulation of [Ca2+]i homeostasis which was largely prevented by 17beta-estradiol with implications for estrogen/hormone therapy.     

Inhibitory effect of polymyxin B on catecholamine secretion from cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

Incubation of cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), an activator of Ca2+/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C), was associated with increased secretion of catecholamine (CA) from the cells. Polymyxin B (PMB, 30-300 microM), a preferential inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited the TPA-induced secretion of CA. PMB also inhibited CA secretion induced by other secretagogues, the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin (10 microM), 56 mM K+ or acetylcholine (ACh). Ionomycin, 56 mM K+ or ACh increased the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) (measured using the fluorescent calcium indicator quin2), whereas TPA did not increase [Ca2+]i. PMB blocked the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by 56 mM K+ or ACh at concentrations similar to those inhibiting the secretion of CA. In contrast, PMB did not affect ionomycin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. These results strongly suggest that CA secretion induced by TPA or ionomycin is mediated via activation of protein kinase C. The results further indicate that in 56 mM K+- or ACh-evoked CA secretion, PMB inhibits the secretion by blocking Ca2+ influx into the cells.     

Glutamate regulates IP3-type and CICR stores in the avian cochlear nucleus

Neurons of the avian cochlear nucleus, nucleus magnocellularis (NM), are activated by glutamate released from auditory nerve terminals. If this stimulation is removed, the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) of NM neurons rises and rapid atrophic changes ensue. We have been investigating mechanisms that regulate [Ca2+]i in these neurons based on the hypothesis that loss of Ca2+ homeostasis causes the cascade of cellular changes that results in neuronal atrophy and death. In the present study, video-enhanced fluorometry was used to monitor changes in [Ca2+]i stimulated by agents that mobilize Ca2+ from intracellular stores and to study the modulation of these responses by glutamate. Homobromoibotenic acid (HBI) was used to stimulate inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores, and caffeine was used to mobilize Ca2+ from Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) stores. We provide data indicating that Ca2+ responses attributable to IP3- and CICR-sensitive stores are inhibited by glutamate, acting via a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). We also show that activation of C-kinase by a phorbol ester will reduce HBI-stimulated calcium responses. Although the protein kinase A accumulator, Sp-cAMPs, did not have an effect on HBI-induced responses. CICR-stimulated responses were not consistently attenuated by either the phorbol ester or the Sp-cAMPs. We have previously shown that glutamate attenuates voltage-dependent changes in [Ca2+]i. Coupled with the present findings, this suggests that in these neurons mGluRs serve to limit fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+ rather than increase [Ca2+]i. This system may play a role in protecting highly active neurons from calcium toxicity resulting in apoptosis.