Copper Increases the Cooperative Gating of Rat P2X2a Receptor Channels.

P2X receptor channels are widely expressed in the CNS, where they have multiple functions in health and disease. The rat P2X2a (rP2X2a) receptor channel is modulated by copper, an essential trace element that plays important roles in synaptic modulation and neurodegenerative disorders. Although essential extracellular amino acids that coordinate copper have been identified, the exact mechanism of copper-induced modulation has not been yet elucidated.

TRPM4 inhibition slows neuritogenesis progression of cortical neurons.

TRPM4 is a non-selective cation channel activated by intracellular Ca but only permeable to monovalent cations, its activation regulates membrane potential and intracellular calcium. This channel participates in the migration and adhesion of non-excitable cells and forms an integral part of the focal adhesion complex. In neurons, TRPM4 expression starts before birth and its function at this stage is not clear, but it may function in processes such as neurite development.

Cholinergic stimulation stabilizes TRPM4 in the plasma membrane of cortical pyramidal neurons.

TRPM4 is a calcium activated non-selective cation channel, impermeable to Ca, in neurons it has been implicated in the regulation of the excitability and in the persistent firing. Cholinergic stimulation is also implicated in changes in excitability that leads neurons to an increased firing frequency, however it is not clear whether TRPM4 is involved in the cholinergic-induced increase in firing frequency. Here using a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology, Ca imaging, immunofluorescence, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and pharmacological approach, we demonstrate that carbachol (Cch) increases firing frequency, intracellular Ca and that TRPM4 inhibition using 9-Ph and CBA reduces firing frequency and decreases the peak in intracellular Ca induced by Cch in cortical pyramidal neurons in culture.

A retrospective study suggests 55 days of persistence of SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the pandemic in Santiago de Chile.

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, infections continue to surge globally. Presently, the most effective strategies to curb the disease and prevent outbreaks involve fostering immunity, promptly identifying positive cases, and ensuring their timely isolation. Notably, there are instances where the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains infectious even after patients have completed their quarantine.

Modulation of GABA receptors and of GABAergic synapses by the natural alkaloid gelsemine.

The plant preparations have shown beneficial activity against common diseases, including chronic pain and anxiety. Nevertheless, their clinical uses are limited by their toxicity. Gelsemine, one of the most abundant alkaloids in the plants, have replicated these therapeutic and toxic actions in experimental behavioral models.