Mechanisms of Calcium Buffering and Aging in Neurons: Testing the Limits of Homeostasis

Author

William James Pottorf II

Abstract

Intracellular calcium ([Ca²⁺]i) is an ubiquitous second messenger that integrates multiple and diverse neuronal pathways that include development and maturation, gene expression, synaptic plasticity, transmitter release, excitability, and even cell death. Upon neuronal excitation the [Ca²⁺]i increases rapidly and the calcium buffering system reacts quickly to restore [Ca²⁺]i to basal levels in order to reset the cell for the next stimulus and avoid prolonged exposure to cytotoxic levels of high [Ca²⁺]i. The aging process appears to causes multiple changes in the ability of neurons to regulate [Ca²⁺]i homeostasis and an age-related breakdown in the mechanisms controlling [Ca²⁺]i homeostasis could contribute to decreased neuronal function or neurodegeneration. Thus, it is hypothesized that the aging process results in decreased function of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) pumps, leading to greater or more sustained [Ca²⁺]i levels, an increased reliance on remaining calcium buffering components to restore [Ca²⁺]i homeostasis and regulate neurotransmitter release in adrenergic neurons.

LLU Discipline

Pharmacology

Department

Pharmacology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

John N. Buchholz

Second Advisor

Sue P. Duckles

Third Advisor

David A. Hessinger

Fourth Advisor

William J. Pearce

Fifth Advisor

Lubo Zhang

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2000

Date (Title Page)

9-2000

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Calcium -- metabolism; Neurons -- physiology; Homeostasis; Cell Aging.

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

xvi; 196

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Copyright

Author

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Recommended Citation

Pottorf, William James II, "Mechanisms of Calcium Buffering and Aging in Neurons: Testing the Limits of Homeostasis" (2000). Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects. 687.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/687

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives