Abstract
Recently it is suggested that astrocyte processes information as well as neurons in brain. Neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu) induces several patterns of [Ca2+]i in astrocytes. In the present study, it is found that the patterns were induced with the change in the desensitization rate of metabotropic Glu receptor. The dependence of the frequency of the astrocytic [Ca2+]i oscillation on Glu concentration was also explained by the desensitization process. The process was regulated by the intracellular protein kinase and phosphatase. Thus, the intracellular protein kinase and phosphatase regulate which patterns of [Ca2+]i each astrocyte has against the Glu stimulation.
