Allopregnanolone-induced rise in intracellular calcium in embryonic hippocampal neurons parallels their proliferative potential
2008
Allopregnanolone and Calcium in Brain Cells
Sample size: 36
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Jun Ming, Brinton Roberta Diaz
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
The APα-induced neural progenitor cell proliferation is mediated by calcium influx via GABAA receptor-activated L-type calcium channels.
Conclusion
APα promotes a rapid increase in intracellular calcium concentration in rat embryonic hippocampal neurons, which is essential for neurogenesis.
Supporting Evidence
- APα rapidly increased intracellular calcium concentration in a dose-dependent manner.
- The maximal response occurred at three days in vitro.
- Calcium channel blockers abolished the APα-induced proliferation of neural progenitors.
Takeaway
Allopregnanolone helps brain cells grow by making calcium levels rise quickly, which is important for their development.
Methodology
The study used ratiometric Fura2-AM imaging to measure intracellular calcium levels in E18 rat hippocampal neurons.
Participant Demographics
E18 rat hippocampal neurons
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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