Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

04:48
A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate
Published on: July 10, 2018
[Recent Topics for magnesium mobilization in neurons]
1Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University.
Summary
Magnesium ion (Mg2+) is crucial for neuron function. Recent studies reveal intracellular Mg2+ release and Na/Mg antiport mechanisms in PC12 cells using advanced imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Magnesium ion (Mg2+) plays a vital role in neuronal health and function.
- Intracellular mobilization and physiological roles of Mg2+ in neurons are not fully understood.
- Understanding Mg2+ transport mechanisms is essential for neurological research.
Purpose:
- To review recent findings on intracellular magnesium ion (Mg2+) release.
- To explore the role of Na/Mg antiport in magnesium transport across cell membranes.
- To highlight the application of fluorescent Mg imaging in studying neuronal Mg2+ dynamics.
Summary:
- This review focuses on recent discoveries regarding intracellular Mg2+ release mechanisms within neurons.
- It presents findings on the Na/Mg antiport system located on the cell membrane of PC12 cells.
- Fluorescent Mg imaging techniques were instrumental in revealing these Mg2+ mobilization processes.
Impact:
- Advances understanding of intracellular magnesium ion (Mg2+) dynamics in neurons.
- Provides insights into the physiological functions of Mg2+ in neuronal cells.
- Highlights novel Mg2+ transport mechanisms relevant to neurological function and disease.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...

