Bursting Ca 2+ Oscillations and Synchronization in Coupled Cells

A mathematical model proposed by Grubelnk et al. [Biophys. Chew,. 94 (2001) 59] is employed to study the physiological role of mitochondria and the cytosolic proteins in generating complex Ca2+ oscillations. Intracel-lular bursting calcium oscillations of point–point, point–cycle and two-folded limit cycle types are observed and explanations are given based on the fast/slow dynamical analysis, especially for point–cycle and two-folded limit cycle types, which have not been reported before. Furthermore, synchronization of coupled bursters of Ca2+ oscillations via gap junctions and the effect of bursting types on synchronization of coupled cells are studied. It is argued that bursting oscillations of point–point type may be superior to achieve synchronization than that of point–cycle type.