The Impact of ROS Scavenging on NMDA and AMPA Receptor Whole Cell Currents in Pyramidal Neurons of the Anoxia Tolerant Western Painted Turtle
Advisor:
Buck, Leslie
Department:
Cell and Systems Biology
Issue Date:
22-Nov-2013
Abstract (summary):
Extended periods of oxygen deprivation cause brain death in mammals but the western painted turtle overwinters in anoxic mud for months without damage. Neural protection is achieved through decreases in the whole cell currents of N-methyl-D-aspartate and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (NMDAR and AMPAR) that are dependent on a mild increase in intracellular calcium from the mitochondria. The goal of this research was to determine if natural anoxic decreases in reactive oxidative species (ROS) serve as the signal to bring about these changes. Reductions in cellular ROS levels were demonstrated to have no effect on AMPAR currents or intracellular calcium and produced massive increases in NMDAR currents, indicating that ROS depression does not directly mediate anoxic alterations. Interestingly, mammalian neural tissue also experiences a similar increase in NMDAR whole cell current in response to reducing agents suggesting a possible conserved mechanism for normoxic receptor control.
Permanent Link:
https://hdl.handle.net/1807/42826
Content Type:
Thesis
This item is licensed under a Creative Commons License
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