Cyclic ADP-ribose: A novel Ca2+-mobilising second messenger

Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) was discovered as a potent Ca2+-mobilising natura l compound in sea urchin eggs. Recently, cADPR was reported to stimulate Ca 2+ signalling in several higher eukaryotic cell systems (e.g., smooth and c ardiac muscle cells, neuronal cells, adrenal chromaffin cells, macrophages, pancreatic acinar cells and T-lymphocytes). The following aspects of the r ole of cADPR as a Ca2+-mobilising second messenger are reviewed: coupling o f metabolism of cADPR to stimulation of receptors in the plasma membrane, p roperties and pharmacology of Ca2+ release by cADPR and the involvement of cADPR in Ca2+ entry. CELL SIGNAL 11;5:309-316, 1999. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce Inc.