Bifurcation of synchronized nonlinear intercellular Ca2+ oscillations induced by bi-directional paracrine signaling and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-cytosolic-Ca2+ interaction

Intercellular calcium (Ca2+) waves are numerically studied in a one-dimensional cell network connected via paracrine signaling. The results show that cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations can display chaotic and quasi-periodic behaviors depending on the paracrine coupling strength. Synchronous behaviors of Ca2+ waves are discussed based on the statistical factor of synchronization. Under suitable input from the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3), Ca2+ oscillations are coordinated by the interplay between the paracrine coupling and the stimulation level. Increasing the strength of paracrine coupling induces desynchronization of cytosolic Ca2+ and IP3 oscillations. Coherent cellular communication can, however, be re-established by weak stimulation levels. The study represents a significant stride in comprehending the combined function of paracrine signaling and IP3 degradation in intercellular communication. •Intercellular calcium waves are numerically studied in a cell network under paracrine signaling.•Chaotic and quasi-periodic oscillatory behaviors depend on the paracrine coupling strength.•Synchronous states need balanced paracrine coupling and stimulation levels with suitable inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate input.•It is possible to restore consistent communication between cells by using weak levels of stimulation.