Reduced IP3 sensitivity of IP3 receptor in Purkinje neurons

The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is highly expressed in Purkinje neurons (PNs) and is thought to be essential for the induction of long-term depression at parallel-fiber-PN synapses. Here, by imaging the fluorescence intensity of the low-affinity Ca2+ indicator inside the Ca2+ stores in the permeabilized single PNs, we analyzed the kinetics of Ca2+ release via the IP3R in controlled cytoplasmic environments. The rate of Ca2+ release is dependent on the IP3 concentration with an EC50 of 25.8 microM, which is > 20-fold greater than that of the IP3R in the isolated preparations or in peripheral cells. This property would be advantageous in inducing the release of Ca2+ in a localized space adjacent to the site of synaptic inputs.