Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) functions as a second messenger for a myriad of extracellular stimuli including hormones, growth factors and neurotransmitters. Receptor tyrosine kinases indirectly increase the intracellular levels of IP3 through the activation of phospholipases such as phospholipase C (PLC), which convert phosphatidylinositol-4,5 bisphosphate into IP3 and diacylglycerol (DAG). The inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor, IP3R, acts as an inositol triphosphate (IP3)-gated calcium release channel in a variety of cell types. Three IP3 receptor subtypes have been described and are designated IP3R-I, IP3R-II and IP3R-III. IP3R-I is the predominant IP3R subtype expressed in neuronal tissues and the central nervous system, but is also expressed at high levels in the liver.