Abstract
Voltage-dependent calcium channels play an important role in controlling many neuronal processes such as neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Any slight alteration in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) can have a considerable impact on various neuronal functions. The effects of caffeine on [Ca2+]i were studied in CA1 hippocampal neurons of young (2 months) and old (24 months) C57BL mice. Fura 2-AM fluorescence photometry was used to measure [Ca2+]i in the presence and absence of caffeine (100 μM) in response to KCl (26 mM) application. Caffeine enhanced the peak [Ca2+]i as compared to control solution in young mice (control: 325 ± 8 nM, caffeine: 402 ± 10 nM), but had no effect on the peak [Ca2+]i in old mice (control: 222 ± 6 nM, caffeine: 223 ± 7 nM). These results indicate that caffeine can impact neuronal functions through the modification of [Ca2+]i. The lack of caffeine-induced modulation of [Ca2+]i in old mice suggests that this role of caffeine has been compromised with aging.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 389-394 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2006 |
Keywords
- Aging
- Caffeine
- Calcium homeostasis
- Hippocampus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology