Cytosolic and Mitochondrial Ca2+ Imaging in Drosophila Dopaminergic Neurons.

The ATP-producing organelle mitochondrion controls cellular or synaptic Ca2+ concentrations through temporal uptake of Ca2+ outside of the mitochondria. Although intracellular Ca2+ influx occurs during neuronal activity, a persistently higher concentration of intracellular Ca2+ is neurotoxic. Healthy mitochondria ensure rapid Ca2+ uptake, which is necessary for proper neuronal activity. Mitochondrial Ca2+ buffering activity decreases in aged or sick neurons. In this chapter, we will introduce our protocol for evaluating Ca2+ buffering activity through the mitochondria during neuronal activity of dopaminergic neurons.