The aminoglycosides modulate the acid-sensing ionic channel currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons from the rat.

Acid-sensing ionic channels (ASICs) have been shown to have a significant role in a growing number of physiological and pathological processes, such as nociception, synaptic transmission and plasticity, mechanosensation, and acidosis-induced neuronal injury. The discovery of pharmacological agents targeting ASICs has significant therapeutic potential and use as a research tool. In our work, we studied the action of transient perfusion (5-15 s) of aminoglycosides (AGs) (streptomycin and neomycin) on the proton-gated ionic currents in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of the rat and in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells.

Cellular mechanisms of lead neurotoxicity.

Lead (Pb2+), a heavy metal, has been used by humans for many technological purposes, which is the main reason for its present widespread distribution. Although various actions have been taken to decrease the use and distribution of lead in the environment, it remains a significant health hazard. The toxic mechanism of lead is caused by its ability to substitute for other polyvalent cations (particularly divalent cations, such as calcium [Ca2+] and zinc [Zn2+]) in the molecular machinery of living organisms.