Neurodegeneration mechanisms

Tezel, G. (2006). Oxidative stress in glaucomatous neurodegeneration Mechanisms and consequences. Prog. Ret. Eye Res. 25, 490-513. 

Kaxp channels under investigation resulted in selective rescue of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons does not prove a deleterious, neurodegeneration-promoting role of Katp channels, but may simply mean that the dopamine neurons, lacking KATP channels, have developed other, undetected self-protection mechanisms. 

Neurodegeneration. Figure 3 Illustration of synaptic (neuritic) apoptosis. A pyramidal neuron is depicted with cortical afferents synapsing on its dendrites. Localized apoptotic mechanisms lead to the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and an increase in the concentration of activated caspase-3 in a presynaptic terminal that is synapsing on a dendritic spine. Increased caspase-3 activity results in a localized breakdown of this nerve terminal and its synapse. Subsequently, the postsynaptic dendritic spine retracts and disappears (Figure modified from Glantz et al. [5] [3]). 

There are multiple mechanisms known to underlie the neuronal cell damage associated with injury or disease that at least theoretically could be targeted for pharmaceutical intervention. Currently however, there is no clinically available therapeutic agent that can reliably protect the brain from progressive neurodegenerative processes for sustained periods. Due to the extensive amount of preclinical research that has been conducted in recent years, there is a basis for optimism, however, it appears likely that some of these approaches will result in clinically effective therapeutic modalities in the near future. A short overview of some of the investigational approaches to combat neurodegeneration appears below. 

Mechanisms of HIV-Induced Neurodegeneration Roles for Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors... 

Block, M. L. Hong, J. S. (2005). Microglia and inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration multiple triggers with a common mechanism. Prog. Neurobiol., 76(2), 77-98. 

PRNP mutations cause neurodegeneration and influence disease progression. The mechanisms by which... 

Hope, J., Shearman, M. S., Baxter, H. C., Chong, A., Kelly, S. M., and Price, N. C. (1996). Cytotoxicity of prion protein peptide (PrP106-126) differs in mechanism from the cytotoxic activity of the Alzheimer s disease amyloid peptide, A [S 25-35. Neurodegeneration 5, 1-11. 

Crichton, R.R. and Ward, R.J. (2006) Metal-Based Neurodegeneration from Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies, Wiley, Chichester, 227 pp. 

Butterfield, D.A., Boyd-KimbaU, D. (2004) Proteomics analysis in Alzheimer s disease new insights into mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Int. Rev. Neurobiol., 61, 159-188. 

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