The chemokine CXCL10 modulates excitatory activity and intracellular calcium signaling in cultured hippocampal neurons

In this study, we provide evidence for direct modulatory effects of the chemokine, CXCL10, on the physiology of hippocampal neurons maintained in primary culture. CXCL10 elicited a rise in intracellular Ca 2+ and enhanced both spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of hippocampal neurons. CXCL10-induced elevations in intracellular Ca 2+ were associated with an increase in neuronal firing and an alteration in the relationship between the evoked Ca 2+ signal and neuronal activity. The effects of CXCL10 were not accompanied by a shift in resting membrane potential (RMP) or input resistance. Expression of the CXCR3 chemokine receptor supports a direct effect of CXCL10 on hippocampal neurons.