ABSTRACT
Calcium has been called the ubiquitous second messenger due to its widespread use in cellular signaling pathways. Calcium plays a role in many different cells for processes such as the release of hormones or neurotransmitters, cell motility or contraction, and the control of gene expression and development. In neurons, many of these functions have been observed. Intracellular calcium plays a crucial role in hormone release in pituitary gonadotropes. Neurotransmitter release in nerve terminals is mediated by calcium. Calcium is also thought to play a role in synaptic plasticity and learning. The cooperation between computational models and experimental studies has lead to greater understanding of neuronal calcium dynamics.
