Synchronized repetitive spikes in cytoplasmic calcium in confluent monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells

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Abstract
Synchronized repetitive spikes in cytoplasmic free calcium concentration, [Ca 2+ ] i , are evoked by histamine in confluent monolayers of human endothelial cells. The repetitive spikes, which are apparently dependent upon the establishment of cell coupling, are also induced by caffeine, indicating that they may be due to an oscillatory release of Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, and may not involve oscillations in inositol phosphates. It is suggested that sunchronized repetitive spikes in [Ca 2+ ] i might lead to oscillatory release of endothelial-derived substances such as prostacyclin, nitric oxide and endothelin, which have potent effects on the vascular system.