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RESEARCH-ARTICLE

Teaching the modes of Ca²⁺ transport between the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum using a classic paper by Kwan et al.

School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: W. Liang, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological Univ., Singapore 637551 (e-mail: willmann{at}ntu.edu.sg).

Abstract

This teaching article uses the report by Kwan et al., "Effects of methacholine, thapsigargin, and La³⁺ on plasmalemmal and intracellular Ca²⁺ transport in lacrimal acinar cells," where the effects of Ca²⁺-mobilizing agents in regulating Ca²⁺ fluxes were examined under various conditions. Upper-level undergraduate and new graduate students in physiology are the targe audience. Teaching and learning points are put forth in this article to illustrate 1) the characteristics of methacholine- and thapsigargin-induced Ca²⁺ responses, 2) the different endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ stores accessible to methacholine and thapsigargin, 3) the inhibitory effects of La³⁺ on Ca²⁺ extrusion and Ca²⁺ influx, and 4) the facilitatory role of La³⁺ on endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ recycling. Each of the above concepts is first explained with references to the figures adapted from the original article. A list of student learning questions then follows, where the answers are found in the teaching notes for the instructors. It is the objective of this article to make both teaching and learning Ca²⁺ regulation a rewarding experience for all.

Key words: Ca²⁺ recycling; capacitative Ca²⁺ entry; education