Pharmacological analysis of intracellular Ca2+ signalling: problems and pitfalls

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 1998 Sep;19(9):370-5. doi: 10.1016/s0165-6147(98)01243-7.

Abstract

The complex changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration that follow cell stimulation reflect the concerted activities of Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane and in the membranes of intracellular stores, and the opposing actions of the mechanisms that extrude Ca2+ from the cytosol. Disentangling the roles of each of these processes is hampered by the lack of adequately selective pharmacological tools. In this review, Colin Taylor and Lisa Broad summarize the more serious problems associated with some of the commonly used drugs, and describe specific situations in which the multiple effects of drugs on Ca2(+)-signalling pathways have confused analysis of these pathways.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Calcium Channels / chemistry
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
  • Intracellular Membranes / drug effects*
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / chemistry
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Type C Phospholipases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Vasodilator Agents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels
  • ITPR1 protein, human
  • Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • Type C Phospholipases
  • Calcium