Linear noise approximation for stochastic oscillations of intracellular calcium

A stochastic model of intracellular calcium oscillations is analytically studied. The governing master equation is expanded under the linear noise approximation and a closed prediction for the power spectrum of fluctuations analytically derived. A peak in the obtained power spectrum profile signals the presence of stochastic, noise induced, oscillations which extend also outside the region where a deterministic limit cycle is predicted to occur.