Skip to main content
Fig. 2 | Journal of Inflammation

Fig. 2

From: Coupled cell networks are target cells of inflammation, which can spread between different body organs and develop into systemic chronic inflammation

Fig. 2

Schematic illustration of three cells coupled in networks under physiological conditions. The cells are coupled by gap junctions to form extensive cellular networks. Receptors, ion pumps, glutamate transporters, actin filaments (white bands), cytokine release and Ca2+ signalingare shown. Cytosolic Ca2+ plays key roles as a second messenger and a sensor of Ca2+-dynamics in cell networks and detects changes in the microenvironment. Two communication pathways exist: the major intercellular via gap junctions comprising Cx43. Receptors on the surface of cells are coupled to G proteins and release Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum via PLC and IP3. Ca2+ elevations are followed by the propagation of intercellular Ca2+ waves through the gap junctions, which are also permeable to molecules less than 1.5 kDa such as Ca2+, IP3, and cAMP. The minor extracellular pathway involves ATP release through hemichannels. The illustration was created by Pontus Andersson, ArtProduction, Gothenburg, Sweden

Back to article page