Related Experiment Videos
Abnormal norepinephrine uptake and release in brain synaptosomes in chronic renal failure
M Smogorzewski1, V M Campese, S G Massry
1Division of Nephrology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Kidney International
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Chronic renal failure (CRF) in rats leads to central nervous system dysfunction, including altered neurotransmitter metabolism. Parathyroidectomy (PTX) in CRF rats normalized brain function, suggesting excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction is observed in chronic renal failure (CRF).
- Excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) in CRF may elevate brain calcium levels.
- Altered brain calcium can impact neurotransmitter metabolism, specifically norepinephrine (NE).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of excess PTH in CRF-induced alterations of norepinephrine (NE) metabolism in rat brain synaptosomes.
- To determine if elevated brain calcium in CRF affects NE content, uptake, and release.
- To assess the impact of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on these neurochemical parameters in CRF rats.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of brain synaptosomes from rats with 21 days of CRF versus normal rats.
- Measurement of calcium content and Na-K ATPase activity in synaptosomes.
- Quantification of NE content, uptake, and release in synaptosomes.
- Evaluation of these parameters in CRF rats following parathyroidectomy (PTX) to maintain normocalcemia.
Main Results:
- CRF rats exhibited increased brain synaptosomal calcium and decreased Na-K ATPase activity compared to controls.
- NE content, uptake, and release were significantly reduced in synaptosomes from CRF rats.
- Parathyroidectomy (PTX) in CRF rats normalized brain synaptosomal calcium, Na-K ATPase activity, and NE metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) contributes to central nervous system dysfunction in chronic renal failure (CRF).
- Elevated brain calcium due to excess PTH disrupts norepinephrine (NE) metabolism in rat brain synaptosomes.
- Parathyroidectomy (PTX) effectively reverses these neurochemical abnormalities in CRF, highlighting PTH's critical role.