Intracellular calcium waves generated by ins(1,4,5)P₃-dependent mechanisms

Cellular oscillations of cytosolic free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_i) have been observed in many cell types in response to cell surface receptor agonists acting through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃). In a number of cases where appropriate spatial and temporal resolution have been used to examine these [Ca²⁺]_i oscillations, they have been found to be organized as repetitive waves of Ca²⁺ increase that propagate through the cytosol of individual cells. In some cases Ca²⁺ waves also occur as a single pass through stimulated cells. This review discusses the factors underlying the spatial organization of [Ca²⁺]_i signals in the form of Ca²⁺ waves. In addition, potential mechanisms for the initiation and subsequent propagation of these Ca²⁺ waves are described.