Computational Modeling of Extrasynaptic NMDA Receptors: Insights into Dendritic Signal Amplification Mechanisms.

Dendritic structures play a pivotal role in the computational processes occurring within neurons. Signal propagation along dendrites relies on both passive conduction and active processes related to voltage-dependent ion channels. Among these channels, extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate channels (exNMDA) emerge as a significant contributor.

Cultured Rat Hippocampal Neurons Exposed to the Mitochondrial Uncoupler Carbonyl Cyanide Chlorophenylhydrazone Undergo a Rapid, Presenilin-Dependent Change in Neuronal Properties.

Presenilin 1 (PS1) is a transmembrane proteolytic subunit of -secretase that cleaves amyloid precursor proteins. Mutations in PS1 (mPS1) are associated with early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease (AD). The link between mutated PS1, mitochondrial calcium regulation, and AD has been studied extensively in different test systems.

Exposure of Cultured Hippocampal Neurons to the Mitochondrial Uncoupler Carbonyl Cyanide Chlorophenylhydrazone Induces a Rapid Growth of Dendritic Processes.

A major route for the influx of calcium ions into neurons uses the STIM-Orai1 voltage-independent channel. Once cytosolic calcium ([Ca]i) elevates, it activates mitochondrial and endoplasmic calcium stores to affect downstream molecular pathways. In the present study, we employed a novel drug, carbonyl cyanide chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), a mitochondrial uncoupler, to explore the role of mitochondria in cultured neuronal morphology.

Presenilins and mitochondria-an intriguing link: mini-review.

This review uncovers the intricate relationship between presenilins, calcium, and mitochondria in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with a particular focus on the involvement of presenilin mutations in mitochondrial dysfunction. So far, it is unclear whether the impairment of mitochondrial function arises primarily from damage inflicted by -amyloid upon mitochondria or from the disruption of calcium homeostasis due to presenilins dysfunctions. The roles of presenilins in mitophagy, autophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, and many other functions, non--secretase related, also require close attention in future research.

Color-Coding Method Reveals Enhancement of Stereotypic Locomotion by Phenazepam in Rat Open Field Test.

One of the most important tasks in neuroscience is the search for theoretical foundations for the development of methods for diagnosing and treating neurological pathology, and for assessing the effect of pharmacological drugs on the nervous system. Specific behavioral changes associated with exposure to systemic influences have been invisible to the human eye for a long time. A similar pattern of changes is characteristic of phenazepam, a drug with a wide range of effects on the brain.