University of Illinois at Chicago Browse About
University of Illinois at Chicago The Image of Research (University of Illinois at Chicago)
  Skip to content  collection home browse advanced search preferences my favorites help   
add to favorites : reference url back to results : previous : next
 
Zoom in Zoom out Pan left Pan right Pan up Pan down Maximum resolution Fit in window Fit to width Rotate left Rotate right Hide/show thumbnail
Ride The Ca^2+ Wave
Ride The Ca^2+ Wave
TitleRide The Ca^2+ Wave
CreatorAlpert, Michael Harris

Date Exhibited2010
ExhibitionImage of Research 2010

AwardSubmission
Abstract"Successive images (250ms interval) using a false color map depict the emergence and spread of an intracellular Ca2+ signal (green, black arrow) along the dendrite of a ventral horn neuron in the lamprey spinal cord. The images were generated using a CCD camera mounted on a fluorescent microscope. The cell was filled with a Ca2+-sensitive dye using whole cell patch clamp technique (frame 1: baseline fluorescence). A stimulating electrode was then used to excite nearby interneurons. Neurotransmitter released into the synapse opens ion channels on the filled cell, allowing Ca2+ to enter, causing the dye to fluoresce (frame 2). The wave that spreads vertically may be indicative of further release of Ca2+ from internal stores (frames 3-7).

This experiment intended to demonstrate that synaptic activity induces local increases in Ca2+ specific to dendrites as opposed to a change over the entire cell. Ventral horn neurons govern the output of the spinal cord, causing coordinated muscle contraction, leading to rhythmic swimming behavior. Ca2+ fluctuation is intimately involved with the rhythmic excitation of cells in the spinal cord. A demonstration that Ca2+ increases occur in dendrites provides a role for synaptic plasticity and modification of locomotor output. Black scale bar = 40m."
DisciplineNeuroscience
TypeImage
Digital Formatimage/jpeg
HostUniversity of Illinois at Chicago. Library.
CollectionImage of Research (University of Illinois at Chicago)
RepositoryUniversity of Illinois at Chicago. Library.
SponsorshipUniversity of Illinois at Chicago Graduate College
CitationCite as [Title]; [Creator]; [Date, if given]
RightsCopyright 2010, the creator. Used with permission. For more information, contact the Graduate College at gradcoll@uic.edu
IdentifierAlpertNeuroscience.jpg
add to favorites : reference url back to results : previous : next