Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
09:07
Fluorescent Calcium Imaging and Subsequent In Situ Hybridization for Neuronal Precursor Characterization in Xenopus laevis
Published on: February 18, 2020
Calcium, iron and neuronal function
Cecilia Hidalgo1, Marco T Núñez
1Centro FONDAP de Estudios Moleculares de la Célula and Programa de Biologia Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. chidalgo@med.uchile.cl
IUBMB Life
|May 17, 2007
Summary
Both calcium and iron are vital for brain function, but excess iron can harm neurons. This study reveals iron
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Calcium and iron are essential for neuronal function, yet excess levels can lead to neuronal damage and death.
- Calcium signals are crucial for synaptic plasticity, which underlies learning and memory.
- Iron is necessary for the normal development of cognitive functions, as iron deficiency impairs learning and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coordinated roles of iron and calcium in synaptic plasticity.
- To explore the mechanisms by which iron influences calcium signaling and neuronal function.
- To understand how iron-related oxidative stress may contribute to neuronal degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on calcium and iron in neuronal function.
- Analysis of experimental results demonstrating iron's requirement for long-term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
- Investigation of iron-stimulated ryanodine receptor-mediated calcium release via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the Fenton reaction.
Main Results:
- Iron is essential for synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation in hippocampal CA1 neurons.
- Iron stimulates calcium release through ROS production via the Fenton reaction, activating the ERK signaling pathway.
- Iron deficiency leads to persistent learning and memory impairments.
Conclusions:
- Iron and calcium act in a coordinated manner to regulate synaptic plasticity.
- Elevated iron levels may promote neuronal degeneration by increasing intracellular calcium through iron-induced oxidative stress.
- Maintaining proper iron levels is critical for cognitive function and neuronal health.
Related Concept Videos
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
01:30Ligand-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...
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.
01:27Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate
Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...
01:31Essential Minerals for Bone Health
The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...