Very interesting question. I wouldn't have even thought of it.
According to Hille (p.221), signals are generated when Ca2+ is released
from intracellular stores such as the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscle
fibers and endoplasmic reticulum of all cells.
In retrospect, this would have to occur. Any time there is an ion
gradient across a membrane there would be a voltage. Any flux flux of
ions then would produce a current. I think.
see: Bertil Hille. Ionic Channels of Excitatble Membranes. 2nd ed.
It's really an indispensible book for any type of research on ion
channels.
Albertino Bigiani wrote:
>> Does anybody known whether the release of calcium ions from endoplasmic
> reticulum causes a potential change across the ER membrane?
>> Thanks.
>> Albertino Bigiani
