Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
08:56
Nerve Ultrasound Protocol to Detect Dysimmune Neuropathies
Published on: October 7, 2021
Abnormal calcium homeostasis in peripheral neuropathies.
Paul Fernyhough1, Nigel A Calcutt
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E0T6. paulfernyhough@yahoo.com
Cell Calcium
|December 26, 2009
Summary
Abnormal calcium (Ca2+) regulation in neurons contributes to neuropathic pain and diabetic polyneuropathy. Targeting Ca2+ handling offers a promising therapeutic strategy for these debilitating nerve disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Neuronal calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis is critical for nervous system function.
- Aberrant Ca2+ channel expression and function are linked to neuropathic pain and diabetic polyneuropathy.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction often accompanies Ca2+ dysregulation in these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Ca2+ dyshomeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in painful and diabetic neuropathies.
- To discuss the impact of altered Ca2+ signaling on sensory neuron function and endoplasmic reticulum.
- To present new data on axonal Ca2+ signaling in diabetic neuropathy and its role in degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Ca2+ dysregulation in peripheral neuropathies.
- Analysis of Ca2+ signaling at the plasma membrane and intracellularly.
- Examination of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial function.
- Presentation of novel data on axonal Ca2+ signaling.
Main Results:
- Altered Ca2+ signaling at the plasma membrane and intracellularly impacts sensory neuron function.
- Abnormal endoplasmic reticulum performance contributes to Ca2+ dyshomeostasis.
- Sub-optimal axonal Ca2+ signaling is observed in diabetic neuropathy, potentially causing axonal degeneration.
- Regional variations in Ca2+ channel and pump structures are increasingly understood.
Conclusions:
- Ca2+ dysregulation is strongly implicated in both painful and degenerative neuropathies.
- Modulating neuronal Ca2+ handling presents a viable therapeutic avenue for peripheral neuropathies.
- Targeting Ca2+ channels and pumps offers potential treatments for neuropathic pain and degeneration.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...
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.
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
01:18Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an intricate network of nerves that controls functions such as the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure regulation. When this system malfunctions, it can lead to various disorders that affect multiple bodily functions. One common feature of many autonomic disorders is the involvement of smooth blood vessels, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow throughout the body.
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
Raynaud's disease, also known as Raynaud's phenomenon, is a...
01:28Disorders of the Nervous Tissue
Nervous tissue is a vital component of the human body's communication system, enabling us to perceive and respond to stimuli. However, like all other tissues, it is vulnerable to disorders and diseases that can significantly impact our neurological functioning.
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
Homeostatic Imbalances:
Alzheimer's disease manifests as a gradual decline in memory and cognitive abilities, attributed to the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain.
Parkinson's disease arises from the...
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...