Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Chemogenetic Regulation in Reprogrammed Stem Cell-derived Precursor Cells in Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: May 2, 2025
Altered chloride homeostasis in neurological disorders: a new target
1Unité de neurobiologie cellulaire, Centre de Recherche Université Laval Robert-Giffard, 2601 Chemin de la Canardière, Québec, G1J 2G3, Canada. yves.dekoninck@crulrg.ulaval.ca
Abstract:
Other than modifying either neurotransmitter release or receptor expression and/or properties, one way to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A and glycine receptor-mediated signalling is to alter the transmembrane gradient for chloride ions. Because intracellular chloride concentration is low in neurons, and the reversal potential for chloride currents is close to the resting membrane potential, small changes in intracellular chloride concentration can dramatically affect the strength and even polarity of GABA/glycine-mediated transmission. It now appears that chloride homeostasis is actively regulated in the adult brain and affected by endogenous neuromodulators such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Modulating chloride gradients even emerges as a mechanism by which microglia can control neuronal excitability. These findings, together with the observation of altered chloride homeostasis in several neurological disorders, point to new targets for therapeutic agents.
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Roles of Electrolytes: Chloride and Bicarbonate
Conditions such as hypochloremia can arise from insufficient chloride reabsorption by the kidneys, often compounded by extended bouts of diarrhea, vomiting, or...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters

