Oscillatory dynamics in intercellular communication.

The role of biological rhythms in the control of intercellular communication is briefly reviewed. In particular, pulsatile cAMP signaling in the slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum, the pulsatile release of the hormone GnRH in higher animals, and cytosolic calcium oscillations are discussed, with special reference to underlying molecular mechanisms. It is pointed out that there exists an optimal pattern of periodic stimulation by hormones and that frequency encoding has some advantages in comparison with amplitude encoding, especially concerning the accuracy of control.