We knew that traditional DMEM contained several mM calcium ions while cells' cytosol are nM range. Therefor, it seemed to me that A23187 or ionomycin could bring a huge amount of calcium ions from medium to cytosol and ER calcium storage (uM range) is not very important in this process. However, I found papers always discussing how A23187 could deplete ER Ca ion storage to cytosol instead of cell culture medium. I am quite confused about this.
Yes, both calcium ionophores can move calciumfrom outside the cell across the plasma membrane. However,there are multiple mechanisms within the cell that are ionophore activated and that release a large amount of calcium rapidly and may dominate. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/a23187
Article Mechanism of action of calcium ionophores on intact cells: I...
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