ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on methodological aspects of calcium imaging studies conducted in brain slices. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration have been assumed to play major roles in plasticity of central neurons. A major focus of attention is the source and distribution of the dendritic calcium rise following synaptic and chemical stimulation of the slice. The advent of calcium imaging methodology allows for the first time the analysis of changes in dendritic spines upon chemical and electrical stimulation. Indeed, several publications have appeared illustrating the expected properties of dendritic spines as unique calcium compartments. The innovation of new calcium indicators with various affinities and high fluorescent yields in the longer wavelength bands will contribute to the separation between the role of calcium dyes as indicators and their action as calcium buffers. The presence of voltage- or specific ligand-gated calcium channels on dendritic spines is still to be demonstrated.
