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.