Long-range interaction effects on calcium-wave propagation.

In this paper, numerical simulation of calcium waves in a network of cells coupled together by a paracrine signaling is investigated. The model takes into account the long-range interaction between cells due to the action of extracellular messengers, which provide links between first-neighbor cells, but also on cells located far away from the excited cell. When considering bidirectional coupling, the long-range interaction influences neither the frequency nor the amplitude of oscillations, contrary to one-directional coupling. The long-range interaction influences the speed of propagation of Ca2+ waves in the network and induces enlargement of the transition zone before the steady regime of propagation is attained. We also investigate the long-range effects on the colonization of a given niche by a pathogenic microorganism signal on calcium wave propagation in the network.

Intercellular waves propagation in an array of cells coupled through paracrine signaling: a computer simulation study.

A linear chain of cells is considered in which calcium (Ca2+) fluctuations within a cell are described by a simple minimal model. Cells are coupled together by bidirectional paracrine signaling via calcium oscillations. Two typical zones of propagation are observed: a transition zone and a regular zone. The transition zone exhibits the same phenomena that can be observed in single cells, pairs or triplets of cells. Within the regular zone, simple periodic oscillations of calcium propagate and the Ca2+ signal is similar from one cell to another (same amplitude and same frequency). But, the signals are separated by a slight phase shift characterizing the propagation of Ca2+ waves due to the type of coupling used. We also consider the colonization of the lattice by the abnormal oscillations of sick cells.