2991Intracellular Ca 2+ homeostasis is critical to eukaryotic cells due to the important role that cytoplasmic free Ca 2+ plays as a second messenger in initiating routine cellular events including excitation-contraction coupling, hormonal release, alterations in cell metabolism and growth. In general, cells attempt to keep intracellular (IC) Ca 2+ low to preserve its function as a signaling agent and to avoid cell toxicity. Studies suggest that this involves coordination between transmembrane proteins on apical, basolateral and internal [sarco/endoplasmic reticular (SER)] membranes that import and export Ca 2+ , such as channels, pumps, exchangers and binding proteins. Regulation of IC Ca 2+ is further challenged in polarized epithelial cells that vectorially transfer large amounts of Ca 2+ either in absorptive or secretory mode.The natural molting cycle of a freshwater crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, has emerged as an ideal non-mammalian model to study Ca 2+ homeostasis and the genes encoding the Ca 2+ handling proteins (Wheatly, 1999). As arthropods, crustaceans possess an external calcified cuticle that is periodically shed, enabling growth to occur. These episodes are preceded in premolt by reabsorption of Ca 2+ from the existing cuticle and deposition in storage sites (often regions of the digestive tract). Following ecdysis, there is intense pressure in postmolt to remineralize the new cuticle primarily with Ca 2+ absorbed from the external water. After calcification is completed, the animal returns to intermolt, a period during which net Ca 2+ flux is minimal. The beauty of this model system is that net Ca 2+ flux alternates from Ca 2+ balance (intermolt) to net loss (premolt) and then to significant net uptake (postmolt), offering an ideal model to examine the temporal and spatial regulation of genes coding for Ca 2+ handling proteins. Among crustaceans, the crayfish exhibits highly developed strategies for Ca 2+ homeostasis that have enabled it to evolve in freshwater, a highly inhospitable environment with respect to Ca 2+ availability (levels typically below 1·mmol·l -1 compared with 10·mmol·l -1 in seawater). Specifically, the antennal gland (kidney analog) produces a dilute urine, contributing significantly to the organism's